A 27-year-old man was sentenced to five years and 18 months’ jail, along with 10 strokes of the cane, on March 31 for driving under the influence of etomidate and other drug offenses. He was also disqualified from holding a driving license for five years after his release from prison.
Traffic Offenses and Drug Charges
Tung Jun Yu drove against the flow of traffic on Supreme Court Lane and subsequently collided with another car after running a red light on Bencoolen Street while under the influence of Kpods and while out on bail for separate drug offenses.
The Singaporean pleaded guilty to five charges, including driving under the influence of a drug, dangerous driving, and drug trafficking.
On July 14, 2025, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Tung drove against traffic on Supreme Court Lane, located between the Supreme Court and the National Gallery Singapore. A motorist, identified as W1, alerted Tung that he was driving in the wrong direction. Tung responded with “Huh?” and, when asked if he was on drugs, showed W1 his Grab delivery application before continuing to drive.
Shortly after, Tung caused an accident on Bencoolen Street. While driving on Bras Basah Road towards Raffles Boulevard, he drove straight through a right-turn-only lane, colliding with another vehicle. The driver of the second car, W2, found Tung’s speech incoherent and noticed he was shivering, prompting a call to the police.
Police officers observed that Tung’s reactions were slowed, his speech was slurred, and he struggled to keep his eyes open. Three e-vaporisers were found in his car.
Drug Involvement
Although Tung passed a breathalyser test, a blood analysis revealed the presence of etomidate. Prior to the traffic incident, Tung was arrested by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Oct. 8, 2024, after officers discovered over 40g of methamphetamine and more than 30g of cannabis in his bedroom, along with $400 in cash.
Tung admitted to delivering drugs – methamphetamine, cannabis, Erimin 5 tablets, and ketamine – for an individual known as “Binance” in exchange for money.
Prosecution and New Legislation
The prosecution sought a sentence of five years and between 12 and 15 months’ jail, 10 strokes of the cane, and a four-year driving disqualification. The prosecutor noted the fortunate limitation of damage to property only, given Tung’s impaired state and traffic volume.
Tung has four prior traffic convictions between 2022 and 2024, including speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, and driving without due care and concern.
The case highlights the danger posed by motorists consuming etomidate through vaping. This concern is underscored by recent accidents, including a fatal collision on May 13, 2025, in Punggol Road where etomidate was found in the blood samples of those involved, and another fatal accident on Nov. 8, 2025, where a driver under the influence of etomidate-laced vapes caused multiple accidents and the death of an 83-year-old woman.
Effective May 1, etomidate will be classified as a specified psychoactive substance (SPS) under the new Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act. Penalties for possessing, purchasing, or consuming an SPS include fines up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years. Heavier penalties will also be imposed on vape users and sellers.
Currently, vape users face a maximum fine of $2,000, while distributors, importers and sellers of vapes and their components face jail time of up to six months and a fine of up to $10,000. Those found guilty of driving under the influence of a drug can be fined between $2,000 and $10,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both. Dangerous driving carries a fine of up to $5,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both, with potential driving disqualification. Drug trafficking carries a potential jail sentence of five to 20 years and five to 15 strokes of the cane.
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