A 45-year-old Singaporean man, Neo Yeow Siang, was sentenced to one year and eight months’ jail and fined $4,000 on February 25 for importing illegal substances into Singapore. He pleaded guilty to importing over 5,000 heatsticks and possessing more than 3,000 vape pods laced with etomidate.
Etomidate-Laced Vapes and Rising Concerns
The vape pods, valued at over $205,000, contained etomidate, a hypnotic substance approved only for use as an intravenous injection for general anesthesia. Health Sciences Authority (HSA) prosecutor Nur Afiqah explained to the court that inhaling etomidate can lead to psychiatric symptoms, including depressed mood, mood swings and increased impulsivity, potentially resulting in suicide attempts and aggression.
Investigations revealed Neo was recruited into a smuggling operation after his vehicle needed repairs in February 2024. He was offered a job by an individual known as “Nick,” who owned a workshop called NK Motorsports in Johor Bahru, to smuggle vape pods into Singapore. Neo accepted, motivated by a need to pay off debts, including repair costs owed to Nick.
Between September 2024 and March 2025, Neo made 10 deliveries, receiving between RM900 (S$295) and RM1,500 for each completed run. Nick would contact him via WhatsApp to arrange the deliveries, instructing him to collect the prohibited items from NK Motorsports before importing them into Singapore.
Neo also admitted to collecting heatsticks on behalf of a friend, “Wilson,” from a shop at KSL City Mall in Johor Bahru, operated by someone named “Zhen Yu.”
Neo was apprehended on March 7, 2025, at the Woodlands Checkpoint when Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers discovered the vape pods and heatsticks during a vehicle search. The matter was then referred to the HSA for further investigation.
Future Legislative Steps
Authorities are continuing to address the issue of etomidate-laced vapes. Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam stated on February 4 that etomidate will remain a Class C drug under the MDA as the Ministry of Health drafts amendments to current laws. A Bill is expected to be presented to Parliament in the first half of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total value of the items Neo Yeow Siang was caught with?
Neo Yeow Siang was caught with vape pods valued at more than $205,000 and heatsticks with a street value of $25,000.
What is etomidate and why is it dangerous?
Etomidate is a hypnotic substance approved only as an intravenous injection for general anesthesia. Inhaling etomidate can induce psychiatric symptoms, such as depressed mood, mood swings, and increased impulsivity, potentially leading to suicide attempts and aggression.
How did Neo Yeow Siang become involved in smuggling?
Neo Yeow Siang became involved in smuggling after his vehicle needed repairs and he was offered a job by someone named “Nick” to smuggle vape pods into Singapore in exchange for money to pay off his debts.
As authorities continue to adapt to latest challenges in regulating potentially harmful substances, what role should public awareness play in preventing the use and distribution of dangerous products like etomidate-laced vapes?
