Two men have been charged in Singapore after they allegedly drove against the flow of traffic while under the influence of etomidate.
Rayden Chong Shi An, 20, and Koh Chee Siong, 35, appeared in court on September 3. Each faces charges of dangerous driving as a serious offender and driving under the influence of drugs.
Police said the two cases happened separately in 2025.
In the first case, Chong was allegedly driving along Jurong West Street 91 on October 28 when he failed to move after a traffic light turned green.
A bus overtook his car. Chong later allegedly crossed a centre divider kerb and entered the opposite side of the road.
Court documents state that he drove against traffic for about 160 metres before hitting a car and a van.
Police said Chong appeared disoriented when officers arrived. They found a vaporiser inside his car, and tests later detected etomidate in his blood. No one was injured.
The second incident happened on November 26.
Koh was allegedly driving along Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1 before turning into Choa Chu Kang Way.
He then allegedly drove against traffic for about 300 to 350 metres before entering a petrol station.
Other motorists had to slow down to avoid hitting his vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Police said Koh appeared disoriented and intoxicated. Officers also found a vaporiser in his car, while etomidate was later detected in his blood.
Police said, “Driving under the influence of any substance that impairs one’s ability to drive safely is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act that puts the lives of all road users at grave risk.”
The cases come amid growing concern over road accidents linked to drugs and etomidate.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, 38 accidents linked to drugs and etomidate were recorded between 2023 and 2025. Nineteen were fatal.
There were 18 road accidents involving etomidate in 2025, compared with one in 2024 and none in 2023.
Those convicted of driving under the influence of drugs can face a fine of between S$2,000 and S$10,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
Dangerous driving as a serious offender also carries possible fines and imprisonment.
Chong is expected back in court on October 8, while Koh is expected to plead guilty on October 15.
