Singapore (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – Amirul (not his real name), a 21-year-old student, recalls the moment he unknowingly inhaled a drug-laced e-vaporiser, commonly known as a Kpod. Encouraged by a friend, Amirul took a puff and immediately felt its effects—his body grew heavy, and his head spun. Moments later, he learned the vape he had used was laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic.
“I was told the vape I took was a Kpod,” Amirul said, reflecting on the incident.
Growing concern over Kpods in Singapore
Kpods, vape juice typically mixed with substances like etomidate or ketamine, are becoming a troubling trend in Singapore. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) are closely monitoring the use of vapes to consume controlled substances, a phenomenon also seen overseas.
Since March, HSA has detected one case of a vape containing ketamine and three containing etomidate. Investigations are ongoing, and offenders may face fines, imprisonment, or both.
Illegal status of vapes
Possessing, using, or buying e-vaporisers is illegal in Singapore, with penalties extending to those who import, sell, or distribute them. CNB has seized vaporiser pods containing cannabis and other controlled substances, although such cases remain sporadic.
Social workers on the frontline
Senior social worker Flora Tan from Care Corner highlighted the alarming trend among youths. She described Kpods as being marketed as a “less lethal and more convenient alternative to drugs,” appealing to users as young as 12.
Her observations were echoed by Jedidiah Chong from Fei Yue Community Services, who noted a rising interest in Kpods among teenagers aged 12 to 19.
Social media and the underground market
Checks revealed at least six Telegram groups with hundreds of members offering Kpods, some promising delivery within 30 minutes. These vapes are priced between SGD50 and SGD100, far higher than regular vapes, which cost SGD10 to SGD70.
The hidden dangers of drug-laced vapes
Experts warn of significant health risks associated with drug-laced vapes. Dr. David Teo, senior consultant psychiatrist at Connections MindHealth, noted that users are often unaware of the exact dosage, leading to unpredictable effects or even fatal overdoses. Potential risks include confusion, seizures, depression, and psychosis.
Impact on users
Former drug addict and anti-drug advocate Bruce Stevens Mathieu has been using Instagram to raise awareness about Kpods. He shared how parents have reached out to him for help after their children exhibited erratic behavior linked to vaping.
“They look like zombies—the way they talk and move after smoking Kpods,” said Amirul, who has since stopped vaping and regained his stamina for boxing.
Lessons from the region
The rise of Kpods in Singapore mirrors trends in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Taiwan has seen a rise in hit-and-run incidents linked to etomidate-laced vapes.
Hong Kong arrested 132 people for possession or sale of these products in 2024, up from just nine cases the year before.
Malaysia and Thailand have also detected vapes laced with methamphetamine and ketamine.
Both Taiwan and Hong Kong have implemented stricter controls, while Malaysia plans to build laboratories to detect synthetic drugs in vapes.
Building resilience against vaping
To curb the issue, experts emphasise addressing misconceptions about vapes being safe or non-addictive. Mr. Narasimman Tivasiha Mani from youth mental health charity Impart highlighted the importance of guiding youths to focus on long-term well-being and financial responsibility.
“Helping a young person think about the future will build resilience against temptation,” he said.
