Singapore considers making vaping etomidate strictly illegal

Etomidate, a powerful medical anesthetic, will soon be listed as a controlled substance under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on July 19, 2025. Currently subject to the Poisons Act, etomidate carries only limited penalties, mainly fines, for illicit use. However, faced with a significant increase in abuse, particularly via e-cigarettes called Kpods, authorities have decided to adopt stricter measures. Once etomidate is placed under the MDA, the use and trafficking of Kpods containing etomidate will be subject to harsher penalties, similar to those for cannabis or cocaine, including mandatory rehabilitation measures and imprisonment, similar to those provided for substances such as Erimin-5.[1].

A misuse with worrying consequences

Minister Ong stressed that the decision would be implemented in the coming weeks, pending broader legislative reforms. He warned of the growing use of e-cigarettes: The e-cigarette is no longer just a nicotine delivery device. It is now used to inhale psychoactive substances, even hard drugs.. Nicotine itself already shares some characteristics of hard drugs, as some studies show it is almost as addictive as heroin or crack, also affects the release of dopamine and is difficult to withdraw from, with significant physical and psychological damage.

During recent enforcement operations, one-third of the more than 100 e-cigarettes seized contained etomidate. Investigations are underway into unnatural deaths, including road accidents, possibly linked to this misuse.

Although etomidate is approved for medical use as an injectable anesthetic, it was never intended for inhalation, which poses serious risks. Observed side effects include seizures, breathing difficulties, and psychotic episodes.

Calls for vigilance and the strengthening of controls

The minister urged consumers to immediately stop using Kpods, saying: “ Stop now, before the law catches up with you. This is extremely dangerous. " He added that several other agencies, apart from health authorities and police officers, have adopted control measures in this matter, such as the National Parks Board, the National Environment Agency and the Land Transport Authority.[2].

In addition, the Health Sciences Authority has extended the hours of its hotline for reporting vaping-related offenses, which is now available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This intensified enforcement coincides with The Straits Times' "Vaping: The Invisible Crisis" campaign, which raised public awareness and prompted action against online sellers. Since the campaign's launch, several Telegram sales channels specializing in Kpods appear to be inactive.

In Singapore, possession or use of vaping devices can result in a fine of up to SGD 2,000 (approximately €1,339). Those involved in the trade, importation, or distribution of these devices risk up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of SGD 10,000 (approximately €6,697). With the upcoming scheduling of etomidate under the MDA's authority, penalties for possession or use could reach up to two years' imprisonment and a similar fine of SGD 10,000.

Health experts are increasingly concerned about the misuse of e-cigarettes worldwide. In the United States, a recent survey found that between 2021 and 2023, more and more teenagers have been vaping THC, CBD and synthetic cannabinoidsThe study also highlights that more and more adolescents report not knowing what substance they have vaped, as they are helpless in the face of a poorly controlled and regulated market and a lack of clarity about the dangers of these illegal products, including on their mental health.

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[1]Borneo Bulletin, Singapore to strengthen laws on etomidate-laced vapes amid growing abuse, published July 21, 2025, accessed July 21, 2025

[2]CNA, Singapore plans to list etomidate in vapes as illegal drug, SCMP, published July 20, 2025, accessed July 21, 2025

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