Man jailed for driving against traffic under influence of etomidate in Singapore's first case

A 37-year-old Singaporean man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison and a four-year driving ban for dangerously driving against traffic while under the influence of etomidate. The court also ordered Ng Bing Hong to pay S$490.50 in compensation to the victim whose vehicle he damaged.

The incident occurred on January 3rd when Ng, after consuming etomidate from two Kpods (vaporizer pods), lost consciousness briefly and drove his car onto the wrong side of Pasir Ris Drive 6. He narrowly avoided colliding with two motorcyclists before striking another vehicle. No injuries were reported, but the victim incurred repair costs of S$490.50.

This conviction marks a significant milestone as it is the first case prosecuted since etomidate was classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Authorities have noted a rise in etomidate-related offenses, with thousands caught for possession and use of vapes containing the substance. Deputy Public Prosecutor Darren Ang highlighted that etomidate, a hypnotic drug intended for intravenous medical use, can cause severe psychiatric symptoms and other medical issues when inhaled, potentially leading to traffic accidents and fatalities.

Statistics presented in court revealed that between 2023 and 2025, 38 traffic accidents were linked to drug and etomidate use, with nine of these specifically involving etomidate. The case underscores growing concerns about the illicit use of substances like etomidate in vapes and their dangerous consequences on public safety.

“

When inhaled, etomidate can result in psychiatric symptoms and other medical issues, some of which have been linked to traffic accidents and unnatural deaths.