HSA officers raided a 13-year-old girl’s home after spotting her vaping and acting erratically outside the State Courts on 24 Apr 2025.
The girl looked unsteady and seemed unaware of her surroundings when officials observed her, suggesting possible drug effects.
HSA seized one e-vaporiser from the teen’s residence during the raid. Tests showed the device contained etomidate, a medicinal ingredient used as an anesthetic in clinical settings.
The vaping device falls under the “Kpod” category – a name for vapes with juice mixed with strong ingredients like etomidate or ketamine.
HSA stated that etomidate should only be given under proper medical supervision.
The substance can trigger several negative effects. These include nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, breathing and blood pressure changes, seizures, psychosis, and physical dependence.
The investigation went beyond the teenager. HSA identified and caught the alleged seller of the e-vaporiser.
The 25-year-old male seller had one e-vaporiser and three pods that also tested positive for etomidate.
His 26-year-old wife is linked to the case as well. All three people are now helping with the ongoing investigation.
In another case, HSA identified a 36-year-old man caught on video vaping on an MRT train on 18 Apr 2025.
The video appeared on social media, prompting officials to raid the man’s home. No e-vaporisers were found during this raid, as the man said he had thrown away the device.
HSA is still investigating this case.
Vaping remains against the law in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. This law bans the purchase, possession, and use of e-vaporisers, including those bought online or from overseas.
Lawbreakers face fines up to $2,000 for breaking these rules.
Those caught with pods containing etomidate face extra charges under the Poisons Act. Penalties include jail time up to two years, fines up to $10,000, or both.
