Singapore's Narcotics Bureau cracked down on a criminal group smuggling etomidate-containing e-cigarettes for the first time, arresting 8 people and seizing a large number of cartridges

Key Points:

·First Targeted Operation: This was the first major operation launched by Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) against a smuggling ring of etomidate following its designation as a Class C controlled drug.
·Arrests and Seizures: Seven men and one woman were arrested, and over 400 cartridges suspected of containing etomidate and over 20,000 Singapore dollars (approximately US$20,000) in cash were seized.
·Consequences of Violation: Importing, selling, or distributing e-cigarettes containing etomidate carries criminal prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

2Firsts, September 15, 2025 - According to a report by Channel News Asia on September 11, The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has mounted its first major operation against a syndicate trafficking e-vaporisers laced with etomidate, following the substance’s recent classification as a Class C controlled drug.

The Anti-Drug Bureau announced on September 10 that on Wednesday night, seven men and one woman, all citizens of Singapore, were arrested. Law enforcement officers also seized a large amount of e-cigarette related products, including over 400 pods suspected to contain methylenedioxymethamphetamine, as well as $20,818 Singapore dollars (equivalent to $16,200 USD), 498 Chinese yuan (about $69 USD), and 5,800 Malaysian ringgit (about $1,379 USD) in cash.

Officials from the Narcotics Bureau have arrested two men, aged 26 and 28, on an open floor of a housing estate near Mount Faber. Both men resisted arrest and got into a confrontation with law enforcement officers before eventually being subdued.

Law enforcement officers found 68 pods suspected to contain etizolam (commonly known as Kpods) on a 26-year-old man, while another man was found with 5 similar pods during a search. Preliminary investigations indicate that the two individuals were engaged in a transaction before being arrested.

Subsequently, law enforcement officers escorted the two individuals to a unit in the same block of flats and arrested another 26-year-old man on the spot. Soon after, a 23-year-old man was arrested outside the unit on suspicion of drug offenses. A search of the residence led to the discovery of a total of 327 suspected pods containing etizolam.

Four other individuals were arrested in different locations that evening for suspected drug crimes: two men, aged 29 and 32, were apprehended near Hougang Road 9, where law enforcement officers found several e-cigarette products and cash at their residence; a 23-year-old man was arrested at a residence near Wenli Passage, where five pods suspected to contain ethylphenidate were discovered on the scene; law enforcement subsequently apprehended an 18-year-old woman outside the unit, where a pod containing ethylphenidate was found in her belongings.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman had intended to obtain an e-cigarette containing Tapentadol from the aforementioned man.

The Director of the Intelligence Division and Deputy Assistant Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau, Ng Khai Song, stated: "We will continue to closely monitor and cooperate with relevant agencies to support the government's efforts in countering the abuse of methamphetamine, sending a clear signal that such illegal activities will not be tolerated." Investigations into drug crimes involving the individuals concerned are still ongoing at present.

According to the Misuse of Drugs Act, individuals who import, sell or distribute e-cigarettes containing ephedrine will face criminal prosecution.