Man, 31, charged with alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods
Jovan Tan, 31, allegedly had two vaporisers and 94 vaporiser pods in his vehicle when he got into an accident on Aug 10.
PHOTO: Health Sciences Authority
PUBLISHED ONAugust 19, 2026 7:50 AMBYKhoo Yi-HangA man was charged in court last Wednesday (Aug 12) after he allegedly trafficked etomidate vaporiser pods, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on Aug 19.
On Aug 10, traffic police responded to an accident involving Jovan Tan's rental car and a taxi.
Officers found two vaporisers and 94 vaporiser pods after a search of the 31-year-old's vehicle.
Tan was then arrested and handed over to HSA to assist with investigations. He tested positive for etomidate.
He also admitted that he vaped etomidate in the morning before the accident and was remanded for a week.
Following laboratory tests, HSA confirmed that the seized pods contain etomidate, with one pod being used for Tan's personal consumption.
The remaining pods were allegedly intended to be sold, HSA stated.
Investigations into vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences are ongoing, while the suspect is also assisting in traffic police investigations under the Road Traffic Act.
His case was mentioned in court again on Aug 19 and adjourned to Sept 28.
If convicted, importers face between three to 20 years' jail and five to 15 strokes of the cane, while suppliers can be sentenced between two to 10 years' jail and two to five strokes.
Need support around vaping or addiction?
To report vaping offences: Contact Health Sciences Authority’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (7am to 12am daily) or https://www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
To quit vaping: Contact Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme at 1800-438-2000 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/
For more addiction or substance abuse support:
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