From 1 September, 2025, Singapore will enforce a suite of stricter penalties targeting both the abuse and supply of e-vaporisers and Kpods, as etomidate and its analogues are officially reclassified as Class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The updated laws introduce heavier fines, mandatory rehabilitation programmes, and harsher criminal penalties for those trafficking the anaesthetic substance, including mandatory caning.
Reclassification of etomidate as Class C drug
Etomidate, previously listed under the Poisons Act, will now be treated as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
This reclassification means it will be illegal to manufacture, import, export, possess, consume or traffic etomidate or its analogues without authorisation.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) stated that the change aims to enhance enforcement capabilities amid rising abuse of drug-laced vaping products such as Kpods.
Substances chemically similar to etomidate, including butomidate, metomidate, isopropoxate, and trifluoro-etomidate (TF-etomidate), will also be covered under the Class C classification.
According to CNB, some of these analogues have already been detected in e-vaporisers overseas.
Increased penalties for users
Currently, individuals caught vaping are fined S$300 if under 18, and S$500 if 18 or older.
From 1 September, first-time offenders under 18 will be fined S$500, while those aged 18 and above will face a S$700 fine.
Second-time offenders will undergo a mandatory three-month rehabilitation programme, involving six sessions.
Failure to complete this programme will result in prosecution.
A third or subsequent offence will lead to court prosecution under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), with fines of up to S$2,000.
Kpod users currently face similar penalties. However, with the new framework, first-time Kpod abusers will not only face the higher fines but also be required to undergo a more intensive rehabilitation programme of up to six months.
Second-time Kpod abusers will be arrested, urine-tested, and placed under mandatory supervision for six months, with ongoing drug testing.
Those who fail to complete the required rehabilitation programme will face prosecution.
Focus on youth rehabilitation
At a press conference held on 28 August, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that approximately 80 per cent of etomidate abusers are under the age of 30, emphasising a need for rehabilitation over punishment for younger users.
He noted that many are “ignorant” of the drug’s risks and may be more open to quitting.
“The requirement for rehabilitation will give them a chance to turn over a new leaf and put the etomidate behind them for good,” said Ong.
During the same press conference, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua outlined the tailored support for youth offenders.
First-time youth abusers will undergo a three-month programme with up to 10 intervention sessions.
Second-time offenders will attend a six-month programme with a minimum of 16 sessions, followed by six months of supervision.
For those aged 16 and above who reoffend, admission to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre will be mandatory, followed by a 12-month period of testing and supervision.
Those under 16 will be placed under mandatory supervision for the same period.
Individuals who voluntarily enrol in the QuitVape programme, or whose parents voluntarily report them, will not face penalties.
Stiffer punishments for suppliers and traffickers
From 1 September, suppliers of etomidate and its analogues will face significantly harsher penalties.
Under the updated Misuse of Drugs Act, those who import the substance will be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of three years’ jail and five strokes of the cane.
The maximum sentence is 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.
Selling or distributing etomidate will carry a minimum of two years’ jail and two strokes, with a maximum of 10 years and five strokes.
Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, also speaking at the 28 August press conference, stated the measures reflect the government’s position that traffickers knowingly profit from others’ harm and must face firm punishment.
“They want to make money and profit from the misery of other people,” he said. “They know it’s an offence… They need to be dealt with harshly.”
Strict enforcement in schools, civil service and military
Educational institutions will report all vaping incidents to authorities.
Students may face disciplinary actions such as detention, suspension, caning (for boys), conduct downgrades, and mandatory counselling.
Institutes of higher learning may revoke leadership roles, scholarships, overseas exchanges, or hostel stays.
Repeat student offenders may be suspended or expelled.
Civil servants found using or distributing vapes will face disciplinary action, which may include fines, demotion, or dismissal.
Home Team personnel and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) members may also face penalties such as detention or discharge, in addition to rehabilitation.
Consequences for foreigners
Foreigners caught with vapes will have the devices seized and may be fined.
Repeat offenders face bans from re-entering Singapore.
Short-term visit pass holders, such as tourists, will be barred upon departure if caught a second time.
Long-term pass holders may have their passes revoked and be deported after a third offence.
Those testing positive for etomidate use or caught with Kpods may also be deported and banned.
An appeals process will be available for all affected individuals.
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