Singapore Enforces Strict Penalties for Overseas Etomidate Abuse

Singapore has announced stringent measures against citizens and permanent residents who abuse etomidate overseas, treating such offences as if they occurred within the country. Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim made this statement on September 22, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing drug laws extraterritorially.

The recent classification of etomidate, an anaesthetic agent found in vaping products, as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) took effect on September 1. This categorization allows for severe penalties for those consuming or possessing the substance abroad. In his remarks to Parliament, Assoc Prof Faishal reiterated that Singapore’s laws apply to its citizens and PRs, regardless of where the offence occurs.

Crackdown on Vaping and Substance Abuse

The government’s actions are part of a broader strategy to combat vaping and drug-related offences. Between September 15, 2024, and September 14, 2025, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) intercepted 76 large-scale attempts to smuggle vaping products into Singapore. Additionally, 57 smuggling attempts were detected through postal channels, illustrating the scale of the issue.

The Central Narcotics Bureau has also intensified its efforts, dismantling a syndicate involved in distributing etomidate-laced vapes and arresting eight individuals. Assoc Prof Faishal’s statements came in response to parliamentary inquiries regarding the government’s border control measures against illegal vaping products.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung provided further insights into the situation, revealing that the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) detected nearly 10,000 cases of vaping possession or use in the first eight months of this year. Alarmingly, more than half of the identified users were under the age of 25. In terms of etomidate-related incidents, there were 70 reported cases of possession or use of etomidate-laced vapes during the same period.

Government Initiatives and Public Engagement

In response to the growing concerns surrounding vaping, the Singapore government has implemented several initiatives. More than 2,800 online advertisements promoting vaping products were removed between January and August 2024. Since the classification of etomidate as a Class C drug, over 10,000 enforcement officers are now tasked with addressing vape-related offences.

Joint operations have been conducted at nightspots and educational institutions, demonstrating a proactive approach to tackling the issue. The HSA has also received over 4,600 hotline reports and more than 1,400 online submissions regarding vaping offences since January.

To encourage responsible disposal of vaping devices, the “Bin the Vape” initiative was launched, collecting about 6,000 vapes and components from designated bins between July 25 and August 31. While these devices were disposed of without testing their contents, the initiative aimed to make it easier for users to dispose of their e-vaporisers responsibly.

Efforts to support users in quitting vaping have also been bolstered, with increased participation in rehabilitation programs such as QuitVape and I Quit. Since September 1, 74 individuals have signed up for these support programs.

In response to parliamentary questions regarding the production of etomidate and its analogues in Singapore, Minister Ong stated that it is “unlikely” that such manufacturing would take root, given the nation’s stringent stance on substance abuse. He affirmed that etomidate remains a valuable anaesthetic agent, particularly in emergency situations, and there are no current plans to phase it out of medical use.

The government’s firm stance on drug-related offences, both at home and abroad, underscores its commitment to maintaining public health and safety. As Singapore continues to address the challenges posed by vaping and substance abuse, these measures aim to deter illegal activity and promote a healthier society.