Deterrence for Use of Kpods or Vape Juices Mixed with Etomidate
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye’s inquiry regarding measures to detect and deter the use of "Kpods," which are vape juices mixed with etomidate and marketed as undetectable by urine tests. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung highlighted that enforcement has doubled, with over 14,000 fines issued and 6,800 online listings removed in 2024. He clarified that etomidate is a controlled poison detectable in urine tests and noted that five cases are currently under investigation. Those found supplying etomidate-containing pods face penalties under the Poisons Act of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $10,000. The government remains committed to enforcing the ban on all e-vaporisers while providing cessation support through the Health Promotion Board’s "I Quit" programme.
Transcript
48 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health whether the Health Sciences Authority has any plans to detect and deter the use of "Kpods" which are vape juice mixed with etomidate and which have been touted by online sellers to be undetectable by urine tests.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: My response will also cover the matters raised in the written question by Ms Hany Soh for today's Sitting. [Please refer to "Enforcement against "Kpods" or Vape Juice Mixed with Etomidate", Official Report, 8 January 2025, Vol 95, Issue 149, Written Answers to Questions section.]
The Ministry of Health (MOH), together with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and other partner enforcement agencies, have been stepping up our physical and online checks to enforce the ban on importation, supply, possession and use of e-vaporisers. As of 31 December 2024, HSA has issued fines to more than 14,000 individuals found to be in possession and use of e-vaporisers and removed about 6,800 offending listings of e-vaporisers. This was double that of 2023, when about 7,800 composition fines were issued and 3,000 listings were removed.
Based on samples of e-vaporiser pods sent for testing, five cases of e-vaporisers containing etomidate were detected and investigations are ongoing. As etomidate is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act, a licence is required for the importation and sales of etomidate. HSA takes a serious view on the illegal sales and use of etomidate and will take stern actions against offenders. Contrary to the advertisements touted by online sellers, individuals consuming such e-vaporisers may also have etomidate detected in their urine. Those found to be supplying etomidate-containing pods are liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to two years and/or fine up to $10,000 under the Poisons Act. The presence of etomidate laced e-vaporisers reinforces our concern that vaping is harmful and our commitment to enforcing the ban on importing, supplying, possessing or using all varieties of e-vaporisers.
I Quit, a programme by the Health Promotion Board, supports individuals seeking to stop the habit of vaping.