A 31-year-old man in Singapore will be charged on Thursday, December 18, for allegedly driving under the influence of etomidate after causing a traffic collision. According to the police, this is the first time a motorist in Singapore has been charged for a traffic offence linked to the use of etomidate.
“This is the first case where a motorist will be charged for a traffic offence involving etomidate abuse,” the police said in a media release.
The incident occurred on July 14, between 5:40 pm and 6:30 pm, along Supreme Court Lane. Police said the man allegedly drove against the flow of traffic during that period.
Dangerous driving before the crash
According to police details, the driver not only travelled in the wrong direction. He also drove straight through a traffic junction using a right-turn-only lane despite heavy traffic conditions.
“He then drove straight through a traffic junction on a right turn-only lane in heavy traffic, into the path of another vehicle,” the police added.
The police further stated that the driver did not slow down before the collision.
“He did not slow down, which resulted in a collision with the vehicle along Bras Basah Road towards Raffles Boulevard near Bencoolen Street.”
Officers who attended to the scene noticed that the man showed signs of impairment. These included slurred speech, drooping eyelids, and slow responses when questioned. The police also said the driver was unable to give a clear and coherent explanation of how the accident happened.
A breath analyser test conducted at the scene showed that the man tested negative for alcohol.
However, a later blood analysis by the Health Sciences Authority detected the presence of etomidate in his system.
Items found in the vehicle
During checks, officers found three e-vaporisers and a packet of contraband cigarettes inside the man’s car, according to the police.
Etomidate was officially classified as a Class C controlled drug on September 1, as part of Singapore’s stricter enforcement against vaping and Kpods, which are vape pods containing the substance.
Possible charges and penalties
The man will also be charged with dangerous driving. This offence carries a maximum fine of S$5,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.
Driving under the influence of a drug carries a heavier penalty, with fines ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both. The man may also be disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles.
“Driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and irresponsible,” the police said.
“In this case, etomidate impaired the driver’s judgment, resulting in him driving dangerously and colliding into another vehicle. It was fortunate that no one was injured.”
