Woman filmed vaping on MRT found with anaesthetic pods; HSA investigating
Vihanya Rakshika for The Straits Times
A woman is assisting the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) with investigations after a video of her vaping on an MRT train was posted online in March.
In a statement on April 4, HSA said it identified the 24-year-old woman in the video, and raided her residence on March 24, where one e-vaporiser and three e-vaporiser pods were found.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the pods contained etomidate, an anaesthetic in clinical practice for general anaesthesia and sedation for short procedures.
Etomidate should be administered only under medical supervision, HSA said. Potential effects include nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, changes in breathing and blood pressure, seizures, psychosis, and physical dependence, the authority added.
In the widely circulated video, the woman is seen seated on an MRT train, appearing drowsy and at one point bowing her head as her hair falls forward. Her hand movements are jerky and unnatural as she adjusts her hair before exhaling smoke.
"This incident, in which the woman openly vaped on an MRT train, was a flagrant violation of the law," said HSA.
Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The purchase, possession and use of e-vaporisers are prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, including those bought online or from overseas. Offenders can be fined up to $2,000.
Those found with pods containing etomidate can also be charged under the Poisons Act. Those convicted can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.
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