First Etomidate E-vaporiser Abuser Admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, and First Foreigner to Have Long-Term Immigration Facility Revoked for Etomidate E-vaporiser Possession

1. A 16-year-old Singaporean male etomidate abuser was admitted to the Singapore Prison Service’s (SPS) Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) on 27 November 2025 for two months under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), after he was caught for etomidate-related offences on three occasions. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) first caught the 16-year-old in possession of a regular e-vaporiser on 4 September 2025. On 2 October 2025, he was caught at his residence with e-vaporisers, which were later tested to contain etomidate - this constituted his first etomidate-related offence. He reoffended and was arrested for possession and consumption of etomidate under the MDA on 11 October 2025 at his residence. His third etomidate-related offence was on 23 October 2025, when he was arrested after being found slurring and behaving abnormally in a private-hire vehicle.

2. This is the first etomidate abuser admitted to the DRC since etomidate and its analogues were classified as Class C controlled drugs under the MDA on 1 September 2025.

3. Etomidate abusers admitted to the DRC will undergo rehabilitation programmes to address their risk of re-offending. These programmes may include psychology-based correctional programmes, family programmes, pro-social support programmes, and religious counselling. After their discharge from the DRC, they will undergo regular drug tests and supervision in the community. The total duration of rehabilitation in the DRC and subsequent community supervision is 12 months.

4. On 14 November 2025, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) revoked the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) of a 15-year-old Myanmar national, after she was found to be in possession of an e-vaporiser pod containing etomidate during a routine check by Police officers. This is the first case of a foreigner’s long-term immigration facility being revoked due to the possession of an etomidate e-vaporiser.

5. Under the enhanced anti-vaping framework that came into force on 1 September 2025, foreigners caught in possession of or using etomidate e-vaporisers, or who test positive for etomidate, may have their pass or immigration facility revoked and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.

6. The Myanmar national has been issued with a Special Pass to allow her to remain in Singapore to assist with ongoing investigations by the Police for other criminal offences. Following the conclusion of her case with the Police, she will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore.

7. The Government continues to provide support to those who need help and support to quit vaping. Members of the public who want to quit vaping can tap on the QuitVape programme (gov.sg/quitvape) or contact Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s QuitLine at 1800 438 2000.

8. Those who voluntarily come forward to seek help will not face any penalties nor get an offence record. However, if they are separately caught vaping, penalties under the various laws will be meted out and they will get an offence record.

9. Members of the public can dispose of e-vaporisers in e-vaporiser disposal bins placed at selected locations including the checkpoints, and where QuitVape programmes and rehabilitation are provided (e.g. HPB, Institute of Mental Health and participating Social Service Agencies).

10. Under the enhanced anti-vaping framework that came into force on 1 September 2025, individuals found in possession of, or using or purchasing e-vaporisers now face higher penalties. Recalcitrants will be required to undergo rehabilitation. Those who do not complete the rehabilitation programme will be prosecuted. Offenders caught using e-vaporisers for the third time and more will be prosecuted in court under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 and be liable for a fine of up to $2,000.

11. Etomidate e-vaporiser offenders face more severe penalties and are required to attend rehabilitation for up to six months. Second-time offenders will be arrested and subjected to investigation and urine-testing, as well as mandatory supervision for six months which includes drug testing and rehabilitation. Third-time offenders who are 16 years and older will undergo a 12-months regime, including detention at the DRC, followed by drug testing and supervision in the community.

12. Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will face much stiffer penalties. This includes three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane for importers, and two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors.

13. Members of the public who have information on the illegal advertisement, import, distribution, sale or possession of e-vaporisers can contact HSA to support our enforcement efforts through two convenient channels:

(i) Submit information through our online reporting form: www.go.gov.sg/reportvape or scan the QR code:

(ii) Call the Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037, operational daily, including weekends and public holidays, from 9am to 9pm.

14. Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The Government will enforce firmly while providing support for those seeking to quit vaping. For more information, visit gov.sg/quitvape.