Latest news with #PoisonsAct
New Paper
12 hours ago
- Health
- New Paper
All Kpod cases to be recorded, vapes must be confiscated: MOH, HSA
In a sign that the health authorities are treating vapes laced with etomidate more seriously, public healthcare institutions have been told to record all suspected and confirmed etomidate-linked vaping cases. In a circular from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) dated July 9, they said medical practitioners should also get patients to surrender their e-vaporisers and consider sending their urine samples for testing. This is because both authorities noticed that between 2024 and 2025, there had been a worrying increase in the number of e-vaporisers detected containing etomidate in Singapore. Such devices are also known as "Kpods", which the authorities have recently intensified crackdowns on. The circular highlighted the report in March by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which said etomidate had been notably detected in illicit drug markets in East and South-east Asia. Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic agent and is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. This means a licence is required for its importation or sale. Etomidate found in vapes or supplied in oil capsules or formulations to be inhaled directly into users' lungs are not medical products and are prohibited. Under the Act, those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both. MOH and HSA said that because of the rising concerns, they are studying the harm and addictiveness of etomidate use in vapes, through those who seek medical attention. They said these studies will inform and shape policy, including whether existing regulations need to be tightened or amended. On July 12, MOH and the Ministry of Home Affairs said they were considering further steps to better address the vaping issue, including whether current laws for enforcement could be enhanced. The number of cases involving etomidate-laced vape pods has nearly tripled in Singapore to 28 cases in the first six months of 2025, compared with 10 in the whole of 2024. The MOH-HSA circular was addressed to emergency departments, urgent care centres, departments of psychiatry of public healthcare institutions, and the National Addictions Management Service Centre at the Institute of Mental Health. In it, the authorities said medical practitioners should reassure patients that enforcement actions will not be taken against them for previous vape use if they voluntarily come forward to seek medical help. Medical practitioners were told to observe symptoms and signs like seizures, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, coughing, arrhythmias and thermal injury to airways. In the circular, the authorities invoked powers under the Healthcare Services Act, requiring licensed medical practitioners to comply with the instructions. Those who fail to do so can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $10,000. During medical consultation, medical practitioners should confiscate the vapes, place them in ziplock bags and lock them up. They should also consider sending patients' urine samples to HSA for toxicology testing. MOH and HSA said members of the public who have sought assistance through the Health Promotion Board's (HPB) QuitLine may be directed to seek medical help at public health institutions' emergency departments. After treatment, these emergency departments may refer patients to the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000 for continued support. Participants of HPB's I Quit programme need not worry about being fined or prosecuted, as it does not presume they have or use vaping products. But if they are caught using or possessing such items, then they will be prosecuted. MOH and HSA previously said that more than $41 million worth of vapes and related components were seized between January 2024 and March 2025. More than 14,600 people were caught by the authorities in 2024, compared with just 4,916 in 2022.
AsiaOne
19 hours ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
Youth sent to hospital after allegedly vaping and behaving erratically on overhead bridge in Bishan, Singapore News
A youth was sent to hospital after he was allegedly seen vaping on an overhead bridge in Bishan. Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), who administered aid to the youth at a bus stop along Bishan Road, said that they responded to the incident at around 8.30pm on July 16. One person was sent to KK Women's and Children's Hospital. According to a since-deleted post shared to Facebook group Complaint Singapore on Monday, he had been crossing a nearby overhead bridge when he began vaping, Mustsharenews reported. In photographs of the incident taken by the user who shared the post, the youth allegedly took puffs from his e-vaporiser while walking, head held down. Soon after, he was seen behaving erratically, staggering and trembling. A separate photo of the incident allegedly showed the same youth seated on the staircase leading up to the bridge, while concerned members of the public attended to him. One video also showed him at the bus stop, where he appeared to stumble while attempting to stand straight. Police officers and SCDF personnel were later pictured at the scene. Expanded hotline service to report vaping-related offences In a press release on Sunday (July 20), the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced that they will be intensifying surveillance and enforcement measures against e-vaporisers. This includes an expansion of the hotline service to report vaping-related offences, which will now operate daily, from 9am to 9pm. This comes amid a significant increase in public feedback on vaping-related offences, with the authority receiving over 3,000 reports in 2024 and more than 2,500 reports in the first half of 2025. The purchase, possession and use of e-vaporisers are illegal under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act and offenders can be fined up to $2,000. Possessing or using pods containing etomidate, a controlled substance under the Poisons Act that can cause permanent organ failure and hallucinations, can result in jail of up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000. [[nid:720428]] khooyihang@
Singapore Law Watch
20 hours ago
- Health
- Singapore Law Watch
What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act?: ST Explains
What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act?: ST Explains Source: Straits Times Article Date: 22 Jul 2025 Author: Joyce Lee Authorities taking stronger action amid growing trend of vapes containing the substance. Etomidate, which is increasingly being abused through e-vaporisers, will be reclassified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). Offences under the Act carry heavier sentencing and mandatory rehabilitation. Announcing this on July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said it was now necessary to take stronger action, with the growing trend of e-vaporisers or vapes containing the drug. Kpods, which are vape juice mixed with etomidate, have been touted by online sellers to be undetectable by urine tests. What other drugs fall under the MDA, and what are the penalties for the trafficking, possession and consumption of these? The Straits Times explains. What is etomidate? Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation. It is currently controlled under the Poisons Act, which restricts its use to licensed medical professionals. Under the Poisons Act, those caught possessing, using or trafficking pods containing etomidate face a maximum fine of $10,000 and a prison term of two years. Why is there a need to reclassify etomidate? Vapes, often used to deliver nicotine, are banned in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Besides nicotine, vapes have been found to contain even more harmful substances such as etomidate and ketamine. Mr Ong said that in a recent seizure of over 100 vapes, a third were found to contain etomidate. Etomidate is meant to be administrated intravenously under strict medical supervision. Inhaling etomidate into the lungs through vapes can cause failure of vital organs. It can also induce confusion, tremors and unsteady gait, leading to falls and accidents. Accounts have surfaced of Kpods triggering erratic, violent and zombie-like behaviour in users. Like other substance addictions, etomidate can alienate the addict from loved ones. Readers have recounted their experiences of etomidate-laced vapes destroying their marriage and straining relationships with their children. Many have called for harsher penalties for those trafficking Kpods, and for better coordination among agencies to help children curb their addiction rather than hand them fines. This would include ordering mandatory treatment for addicts and those caught using the vapes. Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, for one, had proposed that current laws keep up with the technology – e-cigarettes and vapes – used to deliver synthetic drugs. 'If I am a police officer and I catch someone with a vape, and I detect that the vape cartridge is actually a Kpod... the person is not just caught for vaping, but also caught for possession of narcotics,' he said. Former Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng, who had previously brought up the vaping issue in Parliament, said the scourge is concerning as Kpods could be a gateway for users to try harder drugs. What does listing etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act mean? There are plans to reclassify etomidate as a Class C drug under the MDA. It will share this category with other substances that have lower potential for harm than Class A and Class B drugs, but are still dangerous enough to warrant strict control. Stimulants like mephentermine and pipradrol, and the hypnotic drug Erimin-5 (nimetazepam), are examples of Class C drugs. These substances may have legitimate medical uses, but are harmful when used in an unregulated manner. Here is what listing etomidate as a Class C drug would entail: Stiffer penalties Under the MDA, illegal possession and use of a Class C drug carry a maximum sentence of 10 years' jail and a $20,000 fine. Those who traffic such drugs may be jailed for up to 10 years and given five strokes of the cane. This is compared with the maximum penalty of two years' jail and a $10,000 fine under the Poisons Act. The MDA also provides for supervision and mandatory rehabilitation for drug addicts. The addict must remain at a rehabilitation centre for 12 months unless he or she is discharged earlier. Whole-of-government effort in enforcement against etomidate-laced vapes The classification of etomidate as a Class C drug is a recognition of the scale of the vape problem here. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has seen an increase in reports on vaping-related offences, from more than 3,000 reports in 2024 to more than 2,500 reports in the first half of 2025. How have agencies stepped up efforts recently? Mr Ong said on July 20 that various agencies – the National Parks Board, National Environment Agency, police, HSA and Land Transport Authority – are already coordinating enforcement against the consumption of e-vaporisers. When seized by agencies, the vapes first go to the Ministry of Health for testing. 'If it is just nicotine, we will process and fine them (those involved)... In the most serious cases involving drugs, the Central Narcotics Bureau will have to come in, so it will have to be a concerted effort,' said Mr Ong. From July 21, the HSA has also extended the operating hours for its hotline to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. Previously, it operated only on weekdays, from 9am to 5.30pm. The HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at If you need help to quit vaping, you can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they use or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at [email protected] Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- Straits Times
ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act?
Etomidate, an addictive substance found in vapes, will soon be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act. SINGAPORE – Etomidate, which is increasingly being abused through e-vaporisers , will be reclassified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). Offences under the Act carry heavier sentencing and mandatory rehabilitation. Announcing this on July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said it was now necessary to take stronger action, with the growing trend of e-vaporisers or vapes containing the drug. Kpods, which are vape juice mixed with etomidate, have been touted by online sellers to be undetectable by urine tests. What other drugs fall under MDA, and what are the penalties for the trafficking, possession and consumption of these? The Straits Times explains. 1. What is etomidate? Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation. It is currently controlled under the Poisons Act, which restricts its use to licensed medical professionals. Under the Poisons Act, those caught possessing, using or trafficking pods containing etomidate face a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or a prison term of two years. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry in BKE crash, causing fractures to passenger Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety 2. Why is there a need to reclassify etomidate? Vapes, often used to deliver nicotine, are banned in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Besides nicotine, vapes have been found to contain even more harmful substances such as etomidate and ketamine. Mr Ong said that in a recent seizure of 100 vapes, a third were found to contain etomidate. Etomidate is meant to be administrated intravenously under strict medical supervision. Inhaling etomidate into the lungs through vapes can cause failure of vital organs. It can also induce confusion, tremors and unsteady gait, leading to falls and accidents. Accounts have surfaced of Kpods triggering erratic, violent and zombie-like behaviour in users . Like other substance addictions, etomidate can alienate the addict from loved ones. Readers have recounted their experiences of etomidate-laced vapes destroying their marriage and straining relationships with their children. Many have called for harsher penalties for those trafficking it, and for better coordination among agencies to help children curb their addiction rather than hand them fines. This would include ordering mandatory treatment for addicts and those caught using it. Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, for one, had proposed that current laws keep up with the technology – e-cigarettes and vapes – used to deliver synthetic drugs. 'If I am a police officer and I catch someone with a vape, and I detect that the vape cartridge is actually a Kpod... the person is not just caught for vaping, but also caught for possession of narcotics,' he said. Former Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng, who had previously brought up the vaping issue in Parliament, said the scourge is concerning as Kpods could be a gateway for users to try harder drugs. 3. What does listing etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act mean? There are plans to reclassify etomidate as a Class C drug under the MDA. It will share this category with other substances which have lower potential for harm than Class A and Class B drugs, but are still dangerous enough to warrant strict control. Stimulants like mephentermine and pipadrol, and the hypnotic drug Erimin-5 (nimetazepam) are examples of Class C drugs. These substances may have legitimate medical uses, but are harmful when used in an unregulated manner. Here is what listing etomidate as a Class C drug would entail: a. Stiffer penalties The MDA imposes a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $20,000 for possession or use of controlled drugs. It also demands supervision and mandatory rehabilitation for drug addicts. The addict must remain at a rehabilitation centre for 12 months unless he or she is discharged earlier. For traffickers of controlled drugs, the MDA imposes even harsher penalties. Under the Poisons Act, the maximum penalty for trafficking controlled poisons is the same as that for possession or use: two years' prison term, a fine of $10,000, or both. In contrast, trafficking a Class C drug under the MDA will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and five strokes of the cane. b. Whole-of-government effort in enforcement against etomidate-laced vapes The classification of etomidate as a Class C drug is a recognition of the scale of the vape problem here. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has seen an increase in reports on vaping-related offences, from more than 3,000 reports in 2024 to more than 2,500 reports in the first half of 2025. 4. How have agencies stepped up efforts recently? Mr Ong said on July 20 that various agencies – the National Parks Board, National Environment Agency, police, Health Sciences Authority and Land Transport Authority – are already coordinating enforcement against the consumption of e-vaporisers. When seized by agencies, the vapes first go to the Ministry of Health for testing. 'If it is just nicotine, we will process and fine them... In the most serious cases involving drugs, the Central Narcotics Bureau will have to come in, so it will have to be a concerted effort,' said Mr Ong. From July 21, the HSA has also extended the operating hours for its hotline to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. Previously, it operated only on weekdays, from 9am to 5.30pm. The HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences –
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
HSA seizes 54 vape pods during raid of 16-year-old boy's home, etomidate found in some, Singapore News
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized 54 vape pods from a teen's home, and tests found that some of them contained etomidate. The 16-year-old was one of two that had allegedly vaped in a private-hire car while travelling along Bukit Timah Expressway on May 18. The driver of the vehicle then reported the incident to traffic police, who seized two e-vaporisers from one of the two teens, the authority said in a statement. Four days later, HSA officers raided the homes of the two teens, seizing 54 vape pods and three e-vaporisers from the same person caught with vapes in the car. The other teen had no e-vaporisers or related items in his home, HSA said, adding that both are assisting with investigations. More than 2,500 reports of vaping-related offences in first half of 2025: HSA There has been an increase in public feedback regarding vaping-related offences since 2024, the authority said. While over 3,000 reports were made in the whole of 2024, more than 2,500 reports have already been made in the first half of 2025, the authority revealed. "In addition, we noted a considerable increase in the number of social media postings showing others vaping in the public," HSA stated. "Through these public feedback and social media postings, HSA was able to use them as an additional source of surveillance data to intensify our enforcement activities." It will also be enhancing reporting channels beginning on Monday (July 21), with an expansion of the hotline service (66842036 or 66842037) to operate from 9am to 9pm throughout the week. A new online reporting platform will also allow more convenient access for the public to report illegal e-vaporiser activities. At a doorstop interview on vaping enforcement on Sunday (July 20), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted concerns the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have regarding the rise in etomidate-laced vaping. "As an interim measure, we are working with MHA to list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA)," he said. "Today, e-vaporisers are no longer just used for the delivery of nicotine," Ong said. "They are being used to deliver a range of substances and what we are seeing is the delivery of etomidate." He shared that etomidate, a controlled substance under the Poisons Act, is "damaging" when consumed via vapes. Ong explained that etomidate can cause permanent organ failure and hallucinations, and that the substance has been linked to fatal traffic accidents and other unnatural deaths. Among 100 vapes that were seized and taken for testing, a third of them were positive for etomidate, he added. Under MDA, users of etomidate will be "treated no differently" from those who consume hard drugs and narcotics such as cannabis or cocaine, Ong stated. This change will take a few weeks to come into effect, he said, urging those who use etomidate-laced vapes to stop as soon as possible. [[nid:720375]] khooyihang@
