(Bloomberg) — Singapore will start classifying some substances used in vape pods as controlled drugs from next month, paving the way for stiffer penalties as the city-state steps up efforts to crack down on vaping.

Etomidate, a clinical agent used for inducing general anesthesia, and related compounds will be treated as Class C drugs for a period of six months, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs said at a briefing on Thursday. The government plans to have new legislation in early 2026.

Recommended Videos

Singapore banned the purchase, possession and use of vapes in 2018, making it a global forerunner in the drive against synthetic smoke culture. Pivoting to treat vape use as a drug issue, instead of just smoking, marks a major shift in how the problem is viewed by the c

See Full Page