Fresh out of prison, man allegedly trafficked 33 etomidate-laced vape pods
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Heng Yong Qin was handed two drug-related charges on Oct 2 over trafficking etomidate and also consuming it.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Follow topic:
- Heng Yong Qin, recently released from prison, is charged with trafficking 33 etomidate-laced vape pods after a car accident.
- Etomidate, now a Class C drug, carries a jail term of two to ten years and caning; vaping it poses severe health risks.
- Heng breached his remission order; the public can report vaping offences to HSA via hotline or online.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Three months after he was released from prison in June, a man allegedly reoffended by trafficking 33 etomidate-laced vape pods. Multiple vaping-related items were found in his car after he got into a traffic accident in September.
Heng Yong Qin, 36, was was charged with trafficking etomidate. Etomidate has been classified as a Class C drug
At the time of the alleged offences in September, he was under a remission order and was supposed to keep out of trouble from June 17, 2025, to June 16, 2027.
He is accused of breaching the order and could face an enhanced sentence should he be convicted of his latest charges.
In a statement, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said that police had arrested Heng after he was involved in a traffic accident on Sept 30 outside Khatib Polyclinic, in Yishun Ring Road, that left two pedestrians injured.
Multiple vaping-related items were later seized from his car, added an HSA spokesperson.
He was at a carpark near the polyclinic when he allegedly trafficked the 33 pods shortly before 1pm on the same day.
His pre-trial conference will be held on Oct 29.
For etomidate trafficking, an offender can be jailed for between two and 10 years, and receive between two and five strokes of the cane.
When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis.
It was previously regulated under the Poisons Act, where those found in possession of or using pods containing the substance could be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.
On Aug 24, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced the reclassification of the substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which carries harsher penalties.
To report vaping-related offences, call the Health Sciences Authority hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays. Reports can also be made online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg
Correction note: This article has been updated to correct a source error that stated Heng was handed two drug-related charges and one vape-related one. This is incorrect. He was handed only one drug-trafficking charge.
