Etomidate to Be Classified as Controlled Drug in Singapore from September
From 1 September 2025, the substance etomidate, often referred to on the streets as “Kpod,” will be listed under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as a Class C controlled drug. The announcement was made by Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung on 24 August, as part of the government’s broader crackdown on drug abuse and vaping-related offences, reported CNA.
With this move, it will become illegal to traffic, manufacture, import, export, possess, or consume etomidate without proper authorisation. Authorities confirmed that offenders will face penalties similar to those handed out for the consumption of other banned substances such as cannabis and cocaine.
Harsh Penalties for Trafficking and Consumption
Under the MDA, individuals convicted of trafficking Class C drugs face a minimum of two years’ imprisonment and two strokes of the cane. Meanwhile, those found guilty of consumption could face between one and 10 years in jail, along with fines of up to S$20,000.
First-time offenders may be placed under supervision or undergo mandatory rehabilitation, but repeat offenders can expect much harsher penalties. Ong emphasised that the government is not making distinctions between newer substances like etomidate and more established drugs, reinforcing Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance.
The Ministry of Health and Central Narcotics Bureau will be holding a press conference on 28 August to provide further details on enforcement and rehabilitation measures.
Vaping Crackdown Intensifies in Singapore
The decision comes shortly after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day Rally address earlier this month, where he stressed that Singapore would be taking a tougher stance against vaping. The government has expressed concern over the growing number of young people experimenting with vapes, some of which have been found to be laced with harmful substances such as etomidate.
By classifying etomidate as a controlled drug, authorities aim to close potential loopholes and send a clear message that drug-linked vaping will not be tolerated. The move also highlights Singapore’s firm commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining its reputation as one of the strictest nations in the world when it comes to drug enforcement.