A 26-year-old Taiwanese man has had his work permit revoked and was repatriated after being found in possession of an e-vaporiser pod containing etomidate, also known as a Kpod. The incident took place on Oct 21, 2025, according to a joint statement released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Thursday (Dec 18).
The authorities said the man is one of six foreign nationals who have either been repatriated or are in the process of being sent home due to etomidate-related offences. These actions were taken under Singapore’s enhanced anti-vaping framework, which came into effect in September 2025.
“Foreigners residing in Singapore are reminded to abide by the local laws and regulations, or they may have their work passes revoked and be barred from working in Singapore,” MOH and HSA said.
Authorities report thousands of vaping-related offences
MOH and HSA also shared enforcement figures from the first three months since the tougher vaping laws were introduced. During this period, authorities caught and fined 2,710 people for e-vaporiser-related offences. Among them, 257 individuals were found with e-vaporisers containing etomidate.
Of these 257 offenders, 162 were placed on rehabilitation programmes run by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and various social service agencies. Investigations into another 70 cases are still ongoing.
While most offenders complied with their rehabilitation orders, the authorities said some failed to do so. Three individuals have already been charged in court for skipping their first rehabilitation appointment and now face possible jail terms of up to two years. One more defaulter is still under investigation.
Repeat offenders and rehab defaulters are under investigation
The statement added that four other offenders, all repeat cases, failed to attend their assigned rehabilitation sessions and are also being investigated. This brings the total number of rehabilitation defaulters between Sep 1 and Nov 30 to eight.
Beyond individual users, enforcement agencies have also taken action against larger vaping-related activities. Between September and November 2025, HSA charged 10 people for alleged trafficking of etomidate pods.
Authorities also intercepted 46 people attempting to smuggle regular vapes through Singapore’s land, air and sea checkpoints. In total, more than 26,000 vapes and related components were seized.
Online listings removed, more users seek help
HSA said more than 3,200 cases of e-vaporiser activities were reported through its online reporting form and hotlines. During the same period, the authority removed over 830 online listings, websites and Telegram groups linked to e-vaporisers. Action was also taken against 15 individuals who posted content of themselves vaping or possessing vapes on social media.
Despite the enforcement actions, some users have sought help. Since the enhanced laws kicked in, 72 people voluntarily enrolled in programmes to quit etomidate vaping, while 310 signed up for the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme.
Under current regulations, those found possessing, using or buying e-vaporisers face heavier penalties. Repeat offenders and those who fail to complete rehabilitation will be prosecuted. Etomidate-related offences carry significantly stiffer punishments.
