18-year-old charged for alleged trafficking of suspected etomidate vape pods
Seized e-vaporisers and suspected etomidate vape pods. (Photo: Health Sciences Authority)
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SINGAPORE: An 18-year-old teen was charged in court on Friday (Oct 17) for the alleged trafficking of suspected etomidate vape pods, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said.
The pods, suspected to contain etomidate, were found in Kwek Rui An Rayern's vehicle by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers on Thursday. The case was referred to HSA.
Two e-vaporisers and 127 suspected etomidate vape pods were seized from the vehicle. Another five pods were seized from his residence at Bedok, HSA said.
The seized pods are being tested for etomidate, HSA said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
The case was adjourned to Oct 24.
“HSA takes a serious view of e-vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences,” the authority said.
Under the enhanced enforcement framework that came into force on Sep 1, importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate-laced vapes now face stiffer penalties.
Importers of etomidate vapes may face three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane, while sellers and distributors may face a jail term of between two and 10 years and two to five strokes of the cane.
