A 23-year-old woman, Tang Yu Ling, was sentenced to one week’s jail on Tuesday, January 6, for possessing etomidate e-vaporiser pods after failing to attend her mandatory rehabilitation programme. Tang was first caught on September 2, 2025, with an e-vaporiser and pod that tested positive for etomidate.
Instead of facing immediate prosecution, Tang was issued a composition fine and placed under a rehabilitation programme to help her quit her habit. However, she did not attend her first rehabilitation session on September 24, despite repeated reminders.
Charges and HSA Statement
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said, “As she failed to attend rehabilitation despite repeated reminders, HSA proceeded to bring charges against her for possession of etomidate.” This case marks the first time HSA has charged someone for a vape-related offence due to failing to attend rehabilitation.
HSA emphasized that its rehabilitation programme is offered at the first instance to give offenders professional support to quit. “Attendance is mandatory,” the agency added.
Legal Consequences
Under the law, offenders who fail to attend or complete their rehabilitation programme can be charged in court. Those convicted face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both. Tang’s one-week jail sentence highlights the enforcement of these rules for offenders who do not comply with the mandatory rehabilitation programme.
