From drug charges to coroner’s inquiry: Singapore vape case reshaped after accused found dead in hotel room

SINGAPORE, June 20 — A 25-year-old woman who was under investigation for alleged etomidate vape trafficking was found dead in a Geylang hotel room, prompting a coroner’s inquiry into how she died while facing multiple drug charges.

The inquiry into Low Hui Mei’s death is set for July 9, authorities said, The Straits Times reported yesterday.

Low was discovered unresponsive in a room at a Lorong 8 Geylang hotel on May 16, police confirmed.

Police said early findings do not indicate foul play, though the case remains open pending further investigation.

The Singapore daily reported Low’s lawyer S S Dhillon saying that her death was attributed to cardiopulmonary failure.

Low was arrested in October 2025 in connection with suspected trafficking of vape products believed to contain etomidate, a controlled drug used in hospitals to quickly sedate patients, and can pose serious health risks when inhaled outside medical supervision.

Authorities later seized 11 e-vaporisers and 101 pods, which were tested and found to contain the controlled substance by the Health Sciences Authority.

Low was subsequently charged with multiple offences involving possession, consumption and distribution of Kpods.

Her case was due in court on June 16, but proceedings were halted after her death and all charges were formally abated.

Under Singapore law, criminal proceedings are discontinued if an accused dies before the conclusion of the case.