Singapore is proposing to tighten existing regulations due to the serious problem of etomidate in vapes. In the first half of 2025, the country reported 28 cases of etomidate in vapes, nearly triple the 10 cases in 2024. Despite the ban on vapes in 2018, the relevant authorities have confiscated vapes and related accessories worth more than S$41 million (about US$32.03 million) from January 2024 to March 2025. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report also showed that etomidate-containing vapes are on the rise for detection in East and Southeast Asia.
Core Watch:
- Surge in drug-containing vapes in Singapore may prompt legislation
- 28 cases of vapes containing narcotics were detected in the first half of 2025
- 13-year-old girl behaves abnormally after using narcotics-containing vapes
- Singapore comprehensively strengthens vape market regulation and education
Singapore may tighten e-cigarette regulations
Singapore may tighten existing vape regulations as the country continues to see an increase in the number of detected vapes containing controlled substances, including the anesthetic etomidate, according to a July 14 report by Borneo Bulletin. The trend has raised concerns for the government and may prompt stricter regulations.
In a joint statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs said discussions are underway on whether existing regulations need to be strengthened to curb the growing trend. Data from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority showed that the country reported 28 cases of vapes containing etomidate in the first half of 2025, nearly triple the 10 cases in 2024.
Although Singapore banned vapes back in February 2018, from January 2024 to March 2025, the relevant authorities have confiscated vapes and their related accessories worth more than SGD 41 million (about USD 32.03 million). The authorities emphasized that the emergence of vapes containing mind-control drugs is similar to that trend, a phenomenon that is now playing out in Singapore.
Surge in detection of products containing the anesthetic etomidate
A recent case involved a 13-year-old girl who acted out after using a vape outside a state court. Investigations revealed that the “Kpod” vape she used contained the anesthetic etomidate. A 25-year-old man who sold the vape to the girl was subsequently arrested and is assisting in the investigation along with his wife and the girl.
Authorities have warned that etomidate is a controlled substance under the Poisons Act and should only be used in a medical setting. Inhalation via vapes can lead to serious health risks, including involuntary muscle spasms, seizures, psychosis and physical dependence.
Singapore comprehensively strengthens vape market regulation and education
As an ongoing enforcement effort. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has stepped up surveillance on online platforms, physical hotspots, as well as public places. It has also collaborated with agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and National Environment Agency. In addition, the Health Promotion Board is working with the Ministry of Education to strengthen education on the dangers of vapes for students and support relevant users through the “I Quit” program.
The Government has reiterated that it will step up enforcement efforts, particularly against those who import, sell, possess, or use vapes containing harmful substances. Currently, possession or use of vapes in Singapore is punishable by a fine of up to S$2,000 (US$1,560). Those who import or distribute them face a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,813), six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The phenomenon of drug-containing vapes has also raised concerns in Malaysia. Where authorities said 65 percent of vape oils seized since 2023 contained banned synthetic substances. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime also noted in a May report that vapes with synthetic drugs, including etomidate, are showing an upward trend in detections in East and Southeast Asia.
