In a significant legal case involving etomidate-laced vapes, also known as Kpods, the court in Singapore has instructed the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to provide additional details for sentencing, including a profile of end users.

Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, who is accused of producing Kpods at home with the intention to sell them, was expected to plead guilty on July 23.

Facing a total of eight charges, including two for selling and possessing etomidate for sale under the Poisons Act in Yishun, the Singaporean will now enter his plea on Aug 11 after the case was postponed for the prosecution to elaborate on its sentencing recommendations.

During the court session on July 23, Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu pointed out that the prosecution had provided a basic sentencing submission. She emphasized the need for a more comprehensive version due to the uniqueness of the case and the absence of precedents regarding the possession for sale of etomidate under the Poisons Act.

Aside from the end users' profile, Judge Ong requested data on the increasing prevalence of etomidate-containing vapes in Singapore to better inform the court. She also asked for information on the effects of inhaling etomidate, highlighting that the prosecution had only presented details on its intravenous use consequences.

Etomidate, an anesthetic agent used for sedation in clinical settings, is regulated under the Poisons Act. In a recent seizure of over 100 vapes, a third were found to contain etomidate.

One of Akil's charges involved the possession for sale of 26.4g of white powder confirmed to contain etomidate. Judge Ong sought clarification from the prosecution on the significance of this quantity and its potential for manufacturing vapes.

The HSA prosecutor stated that the agency is pursuing three out of the seven charges under its jurisdiction and is seeking a jail term of 12 to 15 months for Akil.

HSA recommended eight to 10 months' imprisonment for the charge related to the 26.4g white powder and four to five months' jail for the possession for sale of 2,588 components resembling tobacco products.

The proposed sentences are to be served consecutively, with an additional two to three months' jail suggested for selling 100 vape pods containing etomidate concurrently.

Akil's eighth charge under the Passports Act pertains to making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) during a passport application. The prosecution is seeking a sentence of six to eight weeks, to run consecutively with HSA's recommendations.

Akil expressed his desire to plead guilty, emphasizing his wish to conclude the matter promptly. He disputed the prosecution's portrayal of him as a flight risk, citing his familial responsibilities.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced plans on July 20 to classify etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act, aligning penalties for Kpod abuse and trafficking with substances like nimetazepam.

Individuals seeking assistance to quit vaping can enroll in the Health Promotion Board's I Quit program by contacting the QuitLine. Participants will not face prosecution, but legal action will be taken against those caught using or possessing vaping products.

Starting July 21, HSA has extended its hotline operating hours for reporting vaping-related offenses and introduced an online portal for reporting such incidents.