Business · Singapore Bureau
Man jailed and caned for importing vape pods laced with etomidate
A Singapore resident has become the first person convicted under the Misuse of Drugs Act for importing vape pods containing etomidate, an anaesthetic agent. The 208 pods were discovered during a vehicle inspection at Woodlands Checkpoint.
LSN Singapore ·
Png Swee Sheng was apprehended at Woodlands Checkpoint with a total of 210 vape pods and two vape devices in his vehicle. Authorities determined that 208 of the pods contained etomidate, a controlled substance under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act.
The conviction marks a significant milestone in Singapore's enforcement against novel drug delivery methods. Etomidate, typically used as an intravenous anaesthetic in medical settings, falls under Schedule I of the Misuse of Drugs Act when not authorised for use.
Courts imposed both custodial and corporal punishment on Png, reflecting the severity with which Singapore treats drug importation offences. The case highlights authorities' focus on emerging trends in drug trafficking, particularly the use of vaping devices to conceal controlled substances.
The Misuse of Drugs Act carries strict penalties for importation offences, with sentences ranging from imprisonment to caning, or both, depending on the quantity and type of controlled substance involved. This prosecution underscores law enforcement's commitment to intercepting illegal drugs before they enter the local market.