Three Charged in Singapore for Alleged Etomidate Vape Trafficking
Three individuals, including a teenager, have been charged by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore on October 4th for allegedly trafficking etomidate e-vaporiser pods. The charges follow an investigation into the abuse of etomidate, a controlled substance.
HSA Investigation and Seizures
The HSA initiated its investigation on October 2nd after identifying a suspected male etomidate abuser. This led officers to two alleged suppliers: Vernette Heng Cui Teng, 23, and a 17-year-old female. Authorities seized 64 vapes and related components suspected of containing etomidate from Heng's residence, and 16 such items from the teenager's residence.
Further Investigation and Arrests
Further investigation led HSA officers to Amir Shah, 27, who is accused of supplying etomidate pods to the 17-year-old female and another female abuser through the Telegram messaging app. Four vapes and related components suspected to contain etomidate were seized from his residence.
Penalties for Trafficking Etomidate Vapes
The HSA emphasized the severe penalties for those found guilty of importing, selling, or distributing etomidate vapes. Importers may face three to 20 years' imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane. Sellers and distributors could be sentenced to two to 10 years' imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane.
Support Resources for Vaping and Addiction
Need support around vaping or addiction? Here are some resources:
- Report vaping offences: Contact Health Sciences Authority's Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (9am to 9pm daily) or go.gov.sg/reportvape
- To quit vaping: Contact Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme at 1800-438-2000 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/.
- To surrender devices, without penalty: Locate the nearest vape disposal bin near you at hsa.gov.sg/tobacco-regulation/bin-vapes.
- For more support to quit vaping: Institute of Mental Health's National Addictions Management Service: 6389-2200
- WE CARE Community Services: 3165-8017 or 8391-3023 (WhatsApp)
- Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association: 6732-1122
- Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities: thkmc.org.sg
- Fei Yue Community Services: 6485-8749
Ongoing Investigations
The seized vape pods are currently being tested for the presence of etomidate, and investigations are ongoing. The two etomidate abusers were fined on the spot and will be required to attend rehabilitation if their vapes are confirmed to contain the substance.
