Potent Sedative Etomidate Found in Illegal Vapes in Victoria

Victorian health authorities have issued a warning after a powerful sedative was found in vape products being sold illegally.

The vapes contained etomidate, which can cause loss of consciousness and can be life-threatening if combined with alcohol or opioids.

The substance has been classified as a class-A drug by some countries.

Victorian health authorities have issued a warning after a potent sedative was detected in a vape product sold in Victoria.

The Department of Health said vape products containing etomidate were found being sold in Melbourne.

Etomidate is a powerful anaesthetic that can cause rapid onset sleep sedation, confusion, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

The health department said the effects could be life-threatening if the substance was used with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives.

Authorities said illicit vapes sold as "space oil", "k-pods" or "space vapes" may contain etomidate or other potent opioids.

The presence of etomidate in illicit vapes has triggered a crackdown in several Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia and Taiwan, where the substance has been classified as a class-A drug.

In New Zealand, several people were hospitalised in late 2025 after vapes laced with the substance were sold on the black market.

The health department urged anyone who suspected they may have ingested the substance to call Triple Zero (000).

"Repeated exposure to etomidate may interfere with the body's stress hormone system. This can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion and collapse," a health department spokesperson said.

"This can be dangerous, especially during a period of illness, injury or other physical stress."

The health department said Naloxone, which could reverse the effects of opioids, did not work on etomidate.