Singaporean authorities are sounding the alarm over a sinister and rapidly escalating public health emergency: a sharp rise in vaping devices deliberately laced with a powerful and dangerous anaesthetic drug known as etomidate.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has issued a stark warning after a series of severe overdoses and at least one fatality were linked to the use of these contaminated e-cigarettes. This new trend represents a frightening evolution in the illicit drug trade, posing a grave risk to an unsuspecting public.
What is Etomidate and Why is it So Dangerous?
Etomidate is a potent prescription-only anaesthetic, strictly for use in controlled medical settings like hospital operating theatres. Its legitimate purpose is to safely sedate patients for short procedures.
However, when used illicitly in vapes, it becomes extremely hazardous. The drug depresses the central nervous system, and users have reported terrifying symptoms including:
- Sudden and severe loss of consciousness
- Dangerously slow or irregular breathing
- Disorientation and confusion
- Vertigo and an inability to stand
The CNB has emphasised that the dosage in these vapes is completely unregulated, turning each puff into a potential game of Russian roulette for users.
A Coordinated Crackdown and Public Warning
In response to the crisis, Singaporean agencies have launched a major offensive. A significant seizure in June 2024 saw authorities confiscate over 1,500 vape cartridges and more than 6,000 litres of liquid suspected to be contaminated with etomidate.
This crackdown is part of a broader, long-standing effort to combat the use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), which are designed to mimic the effects of traditional illegal drugs while attempting to circumvent the law.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has been unequivocal in its public messaging, urging people to immediately avoid all illegal vaping products and to seek medical help without delay if they experience any adverse effects.
The Bigger Picture: A Global Challenge on Singapore's Doorstep
Experts point to the regional landscape as a potential source of the problem. While Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance policy with harsh penalties for drug offences, neighbouring countries with large, legal vaping markets may be inadvertently acting as a source for these tampered devices.
This crisis highlights a modern challenge for global drug enforcement: the ability of traffickers to quickly adapt and market new, dangerous substances through easily concealable methods like vaping, which is already illegal for all consumers in Singapore.
The situation remains fluid and highly dangerous. Authorities continue to investigate the supply chains and plead with the public for vigilance, framing this not just as a legal issue, but as a critical fight for public health and safety.
