A quiet alarm is spreading among UK health officials: a dangerous, little-understood substance is slipping into the nation’s vaping products. Etomidate, a powerful sedative typically used in hospitals, is appearing in e-liquids, and authorities are largely unaware of the extent of the problem.
Currently, etomidate isn’t a controlled substance in the UK, nor is it specifically prohibited in commercially available vapes. This legal loophole, combined with limited testing of seized products, creates a blind spot, allowing the drug to potentially circulate undetected.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the government’s key advisory body, recently issued a stark warning. They believe the true prevalence of etomidate use is “significantly underestimated” due to a lack of comprehensive testing at borders and by law enforcement.
This isn’t a hypothetical threat. The trend originated in Asia and has taken root in New Zealand, where a surge in hospitalizations has been directly linked to etomidate-laced vapes. A drug-checking clinic there routinely finds the substance in products turned in by concerned users.
The danger lies in the drug’s unpredictable effects. Etomidate’s short duration can lead users to take repeated doses, increasing the risk of overdose. Crucially, many are unaware they are even consuming the substance, making it difficult to gauge safe limits.
Singapore, where vaping is illegal, has already responded with harsh penalties, including jail time and caning, after discovering etomidate in nearly a third of confiscated vapes. The crackdown underscores the seriousness with which authorities view the threat.
The emergence of etomidate vaping appears to coincide with disruptions to the illicit drug trade during the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports suggest a decline in the availability of traditional drugs like heroin and methamphetamine may have driven users towards alternative substances.
The UK advisory council is now urging ministers to classify etomidate as a Class C drug and to dramatically increase testing of imported vape products. They are also calling for greater resources for forensic labs to handle the increased analytical workload.
Beyond law enforcement, experts emphasize the urgent need for public awareness. Currently, both users and medical professionals lack crucial information about the risks associated with etomidate exposure through vaping, leaving a vulnerable population in the dark.
The situation demands immediate attention. Without proactive measures – increased testing, legal controls, and public education – the UK risks facing a significant public health crisis fueled by this hidden danger in vaping products.
