Singapore is stepping up its fight against vaping, especially with the rise of dangerous etomidate-laced vapes (Kpods) — powerful sedatives that can cause blackouts, memory loss, and serious brain damage.

Here’s what you need to know about the new laws and harsher penalties coming into force:

1. Etomidate Now a Class C Controlled Drug

• Currently regulated under the Poisons Act with fines for users, etomidate will be reclassified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act from 1 Sept 2025.

• It will be illegal to traffic, manufacture, import, export, possess or consume etomidate without authorization.

• This reclassification enables stronger enforcement and harsher penalties for both users and suppliers.

2. Increased Penalties for Vape Users

• Present fines: S$300 (under 18), S$500 (18+).

• From 1 Sept: first-time offenders face S$500 (under 18) and S$700 (18+) fines.

• Second offence: mandatory 3-month rehab programme (6 sessions). Failure to complete leads to prosecution.

• Third/subsequent offence: court prosecution with fines up to S$2,000.

3. Stricter Rules & Rehab for Kpod Users

• Kpod users face the same fines as vape users on first offence plus a rehab programme of up to 6 months.

• Second offence: arrest, investigation under Misuse of Drugs Act, drug testing, and 6 months mandatory supervision.

• Third/subsequent offence: offenders 16+ admitted to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre with 12 months supervision and testing; under 16s undergo supervision and testing.

4. Mandatory Caning for Etomidate Suppliers

• Importers will face minimum 3 years jail + 5 strokes of the cane, maxing at 20 years and 15 strokes.

• Sellers/distributors face at least 2 years jail + 2 strokes, maxing at 10 years and 5 strokes.

5. Tougher Penalties for Students, Uniformed Personnel, and Civil Servants

• Students may face detention, suspension, caning (boys), conduct grade changes, and counselling. Repeat offenders risk expulsion.

• In higher institutions, penalties include withdrawal of scholarships, leadership roles, hostel eviction, fines, or community service.

• Civil servants and Home Team personnel may face fines, demotion, dismissal, or detention.

• SAF personnel will be dealt with under military law, including fines, detention, discharge, and mandatory rehab.

6. Penalties for Foreigners

• Possession leads to seizure and fines.

• Repeat offenders with long-term passes risk pass revocation and deportation.

• Short-term visitors caught again will be banned from re-entry.

• Those testing positive for etomidate or using Kpods risk deportation and bans.

Why This Matters: The Danger of Etomidate-Laced Vapes

Etomidate is a powerful sedative causing blackouts, memory loss, respiratory failure, and brain damage — inhaling it through vapes makes it unpredictable and deadly. Authorities are intensifying enforcement to protect public health.

Need Help or Want to Report?

📞 QuitVape Programme: 1800 438 2000 (SMS coaching, tele-counselling, in-person support)
📞 Report Vaping Offences: Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 / 6684 2037 (9am–9pm daily)
🎥 Watch this explainer video for full details: Vaping in Singapore – Etomidate Alert 2025

Stay informed. Stay safe. Don’t risk your health or your future.

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