More than 200 etomidate vape pods seized in islandwide anti-loanshark raid; man charged
The vaporisers, pods and a vaporiser battery seized from Felix Chan Zhi Hao's rental unit in Marsiling
PHOTO: Health Sciences Authority
PUBLISHED ONAugust 21, 2026 7:26 AMBYSean LerA 27-year-old man who was among 11 individuals arrested during an islandwide anti-loanshark raid on Aug 12 was charged on Thursday (Aug 20) for allegedly trafficking etomidate vaporiser pods.
Felix Chan Zhi Hao was arrested at his Marsiling rental unit, where police officers uncovered more than 300 vaporisers and related components during a search of his unit.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a news release on Friday that they were alerted to the find and took over a total of 56 vaporisers, 247 vaporiser pods and a vaporiser battery.
An instant urine test administered on Chan also returned positive for etomidate. He later admitted to vaping the substance the night before his arrest.
Laboratory tests subsequently also confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the vaporisers and pods seized were for Chan's personal consumption, with the majority allegedly intended for supply.
The case has been adjourned to Oct 1. HSA's investigations are ongoing.
HSA also warned would-be perpetrators that it takes a serious view of vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, etomidate and its analogues are listed as specified psychoactive substances.
Upon conviction, importers could be jailed for up to 20 years and receive up to 15 strokes of the cane, while suppliers face a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to 5 strokes of the cane.
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:
[[nid:742601]]