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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

Potent sedative etomidate found in illegal vapes sold in Victoria, Australia

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Victorian health authorities have issued a warning about a potent sedative found in illegally sold vape products.
  • The substance, etomidate, can cause loss of consciousness and is life-threatening when mixed with alcohol or opioids.
  • Several Asian countries and New Zealand have previously reported issues with vapes containing etomidate.

Health authorities in Victoria, Australia, have issued an urgent warning after discovering a powerful sedative in vape products being sold illegally within the state. The substance, identified as etomidate, poses a significant health risk to users.

Etomidate is a potent anesthetic known to induce rapid sedation, confusion, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. The Victorian Department of Health emphasized that the effects can be life-threatening, particularly if the substance is consumed in combination with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. They noted that Naloxone, an opioid reversal agent, is ineffective against etomidate.

Illicit vapes marketed under names like "space oil," "k-pods," or "space vapes" may contain etomidate or other dangerous opioids. The presence of etomidate in such products has already led to crackdowns in several Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Taiwan, where it has been classified as a Class-A drug. In late 2025, New Zealand experienced hospitalizations linked to vapes laced with the substance sold on the black market.

Repeated exposure to etomidate may interfere with the body's stress hormone system. This can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion and collapse.

— Health department spokespersonDescribing the potential long-term effects of etomidate exposure.

The health department urged anyone who suspects they may have ingested etomidate to immediately call emergency services. They also highlighted that repeated exposure to the drug can disrupt the body's stress hormone system, leading to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, confusion, and collapse, which can be particularly dangerous during periods of illness, injury, or physical stress.

Authorities are working to identify the sources of these illegal vape products and remove them from circulation to prevent further harm. The warning serves as a critical alert to the public about the hidden dangers associated with unregulated vaping products.

This can be dangerous, especially during a period of illness, injury or other physical stress.

— Health department spokespersonWarning about the increased risks associated with etomidate use under certain conditions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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