4 more charges for first man charged over etomidate possession under Misuse of Drugs Act
Source: Straits Times
Article Date: 16 Sep 2025
Author: Shaffiq Alkhatib
Derek Khor Boon Chun faces new charges, including etomidate consumption and possession, under the enhanced Misuse of Drugs Act.
The first person who was charged with possessing etomidate-laced e-vaporiser pods for trafficking, after the law was enhanced, was handed four additional charges on Sept 15.
Derek Khor Boon Chun is now accused of one count each of etomidate consumption and being in possession of a pod that contained the substance.
Both charges are under an enhanced law under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
He was also handed two charges of having a total of 54 vaporisers in his possession that were meant for sale.
According to court documents, Khor has a history of methamphetamine consumption and was earlier sentenced to 10 months’ jail after he was convicted of the offence in March 2016.
He is now accused of consuming etomidate on or before Sept 6, 2025.
He is also accused of having an etomidate-laced pod in his possession at a lift lobby of Block 631 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 at around 4.40pm that day.
At about the same time, Khor allegedly had eight vaporisers in his possession at a nearby carpark.
The next day, he allegedly had 46 more vaporisers in a Clementi flat.
According to court documents, all 54 of these vaporisers were meant to be sold to others.
If convicted of consuming etomidate, he can be jailed for between three and 10 years, and fined up to $20,000.
Offenders convicted of etomidate possession can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $20,000.
His pre-trial conference will be held on Oct 14.
The 40-year-old Singaporean was first hauled to court on Sept 8, seven days after the law was enhanced to list etomidate as an illegal drug under the MDA.
He allegedly had 43 vaporiser pods containing etomidate in his possession for the purpose of trafficking at the Ang Mo Kio carpark on Sept 6.
If convicted of this offence, he 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.
Etomidate 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 that the substance will be classified under the MDA as a Class C drug.
Drugs under the classification have lower potential for harm than Class A and Class B drugs but are still deemed dangerous enough to warrant strict control.
Other drugs classified under this category include the hypnotic drug Erimin-5 (nimetazepam).
Under the MDA, etomidate abusers face harsher penalties, including a maximum sentence of 10 years’ jail and a $20,000 fine for illegal possession and use.
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
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Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
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