The Singapore government is stepping up its fight against the rise of dangerous e-vaporisers, or vapes, that have been found laced with etomidate—a powerful anaesthetic drug. In a strong move to tackle this growing public health concern, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will work with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to classify etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
This decision follows alarming findings from enforcement operations. Out of over 100 randomly seized vape devices, nearly one-third were found to contain etomidate. The substance is suspected to be linked to several fatalities, including those involving traffic accidents and unexplained unnatural deaths.
Severe Penalties Await Offenders
Once the law is enacted in the coming weeks, possession or use of vapes laced with etomidate will be treated on par with the consumption of cannabis or cocaine. First-time users will face mandatory rehabilitation, while repeat offenders may be prosecuted and jailed.
For trafficking Class C drugs, the penalty is a minimum of two years in jail along with two strokes of the cane. Drug users face prison sentences ranging from one to ten years, and may be fined up to S$20,000. The government warns that those caught again after their first offence will face significantly harsher consequences.
Minister Ong urges anyone currently using such vapes to stop immediately, stressing the drug’s harmful effects and the potential for addiction, injury, or death. Enforcement efforts will also be intensified to clamp down on the supply chain.
Broader Legislative Review on Vaping Underway
While this move to classify etomidate as a Class C drug is a firm step forward, Ong acknowledged that it’s only an interim measure. He explained that the Misuse of Drugs Act was originally designed to regulate substances, not devices like e-vaporisers.
Vapes are now being misused not just for nicotine but to deliver illicit substances such as etomidate. When nicotine is detected, enforcement falls under the Tobacco Control Act. However, when other chemicals are involved, current legislation may not be sufficient.
The government plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire legislative framework surrounding vaping. Ong stressed the need to work with other agencies to strengthen the law in response to this evolving threat.
Public Reaction and High-Alert for Health Concerns
Stories from the public, coupled with lab test results, highlight the urgency of the situation. Members of the community have shared experiences showing how these vapes affect behaviour and health, sometimes leading to erratic or fatal outcomes. These testimonies add to the evidence prompting swift government action.
Parents, educators, and health professionals have all raised concerns over how easily accessible these modified vapes are, particularly among youths. The classification of etomidate as a controlled drug will give authorities more power to act and signal a zero-tolerance stance on drug-related abuse via vaping.
This crackdown could not be timelier, with Singapore authorities aiming to preserve public safety and health while ensuring that new forms of drug abuse are swiftly and effectively addressed.
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