What It Means to List Etomidate Under the Misuse of Drugs Act

Authorities Taking Stronger Action Amid Growing Trend of Vapes Containing the Substance

- Joyce Lee

Etomidate, which is increasingly being abused through e-vaporizers, will be reclassified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).

Offences under the Act carry heavier sentencing and mandatory rehabilitation.

Announcing this on July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said it was now necessary to take stronger action, with the growing trend of e-vaporizers or vapes containing the drug.

Kpods, which are vape juice mixed with etomidate, have been touted by online sellers to be undetectable by urine tests.

What other drugs fall under the MDA, and what are the penalties for the trafficking, possession and consumption of these? The Straits Times explains.

WHAT IS ETOMIDATE?

Etomidate is an anesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation. It is currently controlled under the Poisons Act, which restricts its use to licensed medical professionals.

Under the Poisons Act, those caught possessing, using or trafficking pods containing etomidate face a maximum fine of $10,000 and a prison term of two years.

WHY IS THERE A NEED TO RECLASSIFY ETOMIDATE?

Vapes, often used to deliver nicotine, are banned in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Besides nicotine, vapes have been found to contain even more harmful substances such as etomidate and ketamine.

Mr Ong said that in a recent seizure of over 100 vapes, a third were found to contain etomidate.