Etomidate‑related DUI draws harsh penalties after string of fatal crashes

Chua Beng Kai Jeremy, a 32‑year‑old Singaporean, was sentenced on 4 September to three years and three months in prison, two strokes of the cane and a five‑year driving ban after he was caught driving under the influence of etomidate while delivering Kpods.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Darren Ang told the court that offences involving driving under the influence of etomidate are particularly dangerous, highlighting the risks of inhaling the drug.

Between 2023 and 2025, police linked 38 traffic accidents to drug use, including etomidate. Nineteen of those crashes were fatal, and nine involved etomidate specifically.

The law sets the maximum penalty for driving under the influence of etomidate at up to 12 months’ imprisonment, a fine of S$2,000 to S$10,000, or both. In Chua’s case, the court also imposed caning and a five‑year licence suspension as part of the overall sentence for drug trafficking and repeat offences.

Because the drug is regarded as especially hazardous on the road and has already been linked to a high number of serious crashes, Singapore imposes strict punishments on anyone caught driving after using etomidate.

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