Kpod Epidemic - Revision history

Editorial Assistant at 01:10, 2 September 2025

2025-09-02T01:10:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:10, 2 September 2025
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	==Kpod incidents recorded==		==Kpod incidents recorded==
			[[File:Sabriee kpod seller.jpg\|thumb\|''Muhammad Sabriee Mohd Tahar arriving at the State Courts on 7 August 2025. Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kpods-sale-vapes-etomidate-man-charged-5282391 Channel News Asia.]'']]
	In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old woman died and a 30-year-old man was injured in a car-bus collision in Punggol Road. It was later revealed that the two people in the car had tested positive for etomidate in their blood samples. A large number of vapes and pods, with some containing etomidate, were found in the vehicle.<ref>Andres, Gabrielle. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/etomidate-found-in-blood-samples-of-2-people-involved-in-fatal-punggol-road-accident Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA]” ''The Straits Times,'' 25 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>		In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old woman died and a 30-year-old man was injured in a car-bus collision in Punggol Road. It was later revealed that the two people in the car had tested positive for etomidate in their blood samples. A large number of vapes and pods, with some containing etomidate, were found in the vehicle.<ref>Andres, Gabrielle. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/etomidate-found-in-blood-samples-of-2-people-involved-in-fatal-punggol-road-accident Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA]” ''The Straits Times,'' 25 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

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	The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) was alerted to a case of a 13-year-old girl behaving erratically in public, showing signs of drug intoxication. An investigation led to the seizure of an etomidate-laced vape from her residence. The person who sold the device to her was also identified and arrested.<ref>Cheng, Ian. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/teen-among-3-probed-for-offences-linked-to-drug-laced-kpod-vapes-hsa Girl, 13, among 3 probed for offences linked to ‘Kpod’ drug-laced vapes: HSA.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 13 May, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>		The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) was alerted to a case of a 13-year-old girl behaving erratically in public, showing signs of drug intoxication. An investigation led to the seizure of an etomidate-laced vape from her residence. The person who sold the device to her was also identified and arrested.<ref>Cheng, Ian. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/teen-among-3-probed-for-offences-linked-to-drug-laced-kpod-vapes-hsa Girl, 13, among 3 probed for offences linked to ‘Kpod’ drug-laced vapes: HSA.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 13 May, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

	On 7 August 2025, a 22-year-old man, Muhammad Sabriee Mohd Tahar, was charged with possession and intent to sell etomidate-laced Kpods. He was found with five Kpods, three of which were allegedly for sale, near Coleman Street in central Singapore.<ref>Lam, Lydia. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kpods-sale-vapes-etomidate-man-charged-5282391 Man charged with having Kpods for sale.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 7 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>		On 7 August 2025, a 22-year-old man, Muhammad Sabriee Mohd Tahar, was charged with possession and intent to sell etomidate-laced Kpods. He was found with five Kpods, three of which were allegedly for sale, near Coleman Street in central Singapore.<ref>Lam, Lydia. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kpods-sale-vapes-etomidate-man-charged-5282391 Man charged with having Kpods for sale.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 7 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

	On November 19, 2024, a 27-year-old man who was addicted to Kpods became emotional when his mother confronted him about his habit. The man expressed suicidal thoughts and later attempted to jump from a corridor outside his flat. His mother and neighbors intervened, and the police were called to the scene.<ref>Lee, Jeremy. “[https://mustsharenews.com/man-mother-vapes/ S’pore man hooked on ‘Kpod’ vapes tries to jump from corridor, attacks mother who stops him.]” ''Mustsharenews,'' 24 June, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>		On November 19, 2024, a 27-year-old man who was addicted to Kpods became emotional when his mother confronted him about his habit. The man expressed suicidal thoughts and later attempted to jump from a corridor outside his flat. His mother and neighbors intervened, and the police were called to the scene.<ref>Lee, Jeremy. “[https://mustsharenews.com/man-mother-vapes/ S’pore man hooked on ‘Kpod’ vapes tries to jump from corridor, attacks mother who stops him.]” ''Mustsharenews,'' 24 June, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>
			[[File:Kpod peddler fleeing raid Bishan.jpg\|thumb\|''Kpod peddler fleeing raid from Bishan on 14 July 2025. Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/alleged-kpod-peddler-filmed-trying-to-flee-raid-in-bishan-charged-with-6-offences The Straits Times.]'']]
	On August 28, 2025, a 28-year-old man, who had been laid off from his job, threatened to jump off a building with his 5-year-old son after a dispute with his mother over money. The man, who had been smoking Kpods, exhibited erratic behavior and had a violent outburst during the incident. His mother, who had noticed his strange behavior and tremors, had been trying to get him to seek help.<ref>Ler, Sean. “[https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/woman-says-kpod-addicted-son-threatened-jump-grandson-after-quarrelling-over-money Woman says Kpod-addicted son 'threatened to jump' with grandson after quarrelling over money.]” ''Asiaone,'' 27 August 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>		On August 28, 2025, a 28-year-old man, who had been laid off from his job, threatened to jump off a building with his 5-year-old son after a dispute with his mother over money. The man, who had been smoking Kpods, exhibited erratic behavior and had a violent outburst during the incident. His mother, who had noticed his strange behavior and tremors, had been trying to get him to seek help.<ref>Ler, Sean. “[https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/woman-says-kpod-addicted-son-threatened-jump-grandson-after-quarrelling-over-money Woman says Kpod-addicted son 'threatened to jump' with grandson after quarrelling over money.]” ''Asiaone,'' 27 August 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

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	In one night of raids on nightspots in Singapore, the police and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) checked over 640 people and seized more than 280 vapes. This is part of the broader, intensified enforcement efforts by authorities to curb the growing vaping problem.<ref>Wong, Andrew. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/over-280-vapes-seized-more-than-640-people-checked-in-one-night-by-police-hsa-in-anti-vape-raids Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked by police, HSA in anti-vape raids at nightspots.”] ''The Straits Times,'' 16 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>		In one night of raids on nightspots in Singapore, the police and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) checked over 640 people and seized more than 280 vapes. This is part of the broader, intensified enforcement efforts by authorities to curb the growing vaping problem.<ref>Wong, Andrew. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/over-280-vapes-seized-more-than-640-people-checked-in-one-night-by-police-hsa-in-anti-vape-raids Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked by police, HSA in anti-vape raids at nightspots.”] ''The Straits Times,'' 16 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>
			[[File:CCTV footage of son and mother struggling.jpg\|thumb\|''CCTV footage of mother holding down her son trying to climb over the parapet. Photo from [https://mustsharenews.com/man-mother-vapes/ MustShareNews.]'']]
			As of August 2025, five individuals have been formally charged in court for offenses related to Kpods, while 65 other cases are currently under investigation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vapes-kpods-cases-court-etomidate-hsa-moh-5294566 Five charged for Kpod offences, 65 other cases being investigated.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 14 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref> These figures were released in a joint statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and HSA, highlighting the government's intensified efforts to combat the growing problem. The MHA is supporting the HSA by providing assistance to crack down on abusers and help with the rehabilitation of offenders.<ref>Wong, Andrew. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/mha-to-support-hsas-crackdown-on-kpod-abusers-ministry-will-help-in-treating-offenders-shanmugam MHA to support HSA’s crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 30 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

	As of August 2025, five individuals have been formally charged in court for offenses related to Kpods, while 65 other cases are currently under investigation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vapes-kpods-cases-court-etomidate-hsa-moh-5294566 Five charged for Kpod offences, 65 other cases being investigated.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 14 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref> These figures were released in a joint statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and HSA, highlighting the government's intensified efforts to combat the growing problem. The MHA is supporting the HSA by providing assistance to crack down on abusers and help with the rehabilitation of offenders.<ref>Wong, Andrew. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/mha-to-support-hsas-crackdown-on-kpod-abusers-ministry-will-help-in-treating-offenders-shanmugam MHA to support HSA’s crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 30 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

Editorial Assistant: Kpod epidemic Singapore

2025-09-01T09:58:32Z

Kpod epidemic Singapore

New page

The Kpod epidemic is a term used in Singapore to describe a surge in the use of e-vaporizers (vapes) that have been illegally laced with drugs, primarily the powerful anesthetic etomidate. Social service agencies (e.g., Care Corner, Fei Yue Community Services) reported learning about the term "Kpod" from youth discussions in August 2024.<ref>"[https://asianews.network/teens-in-singapore-using-kpods-drug-vaporisers-cnb-hsa-monitoring-situation/ Teens in Singapore using ‘Kpods’ drug vaporisers; CNB, HSA monitoring situation.]" ''Asia News Network,'' 16 December, 2025. Accessed 1 September 2025.</ref> This public health crisis has prompted a strong response from the Singapore government due to its prevalence among young people and the severe health risks associated with the substance.

==The emergence of Kpods==
[[File:Kpod Serangoon youth.jpg|thumb|''Teen spotted laying on the floor of Serangoon MRT after taking a puff of the etomidate-laced vape. Photo from [https://www.instagram.com/sgfollowsall.backup/reel/DNXv7o5hvdE/?hl=en Instagram.]'']]The crisis came to light when Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) first detected etomidate-laced vapes ("Kpods") back in March 2024.<ref>Chunyi, Chung. "[https://blog.maxthon.com/2025/07/13/drug-laced-vapes-in-singapore-and-asia/ Drug-Laced Vapes in Singapore and Asia.]" ''Blog.maxthon,'' 13 July, 2025. Accessed 1 September 2025.</ref> Reports indicate that about one in three vapes confiscated in Singapore have been found to contain etomidate.<ref name=":0">Sun, David. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/1-in-3-vapes-here-laced-with-etomidate-moh-working-with-mha-to-list-it-as-illegal-drug-ong-ye-kung 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 20 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025. </ref> Other drugs, such as ketamine, have also been detected in these devices.
===Health and behavioral effects===
The misuse of etomidate in vapes can lead to serious health complications. Users have been reported to exhibit a "trance-like" or "zombie-style" state, and some have collapsed in public places.<ref name=":1">Lee, Elaine. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/they-look-like-zombies-teens-here-using-kpods-drug-vaporisers-cnb-hsa-monitoring-situation ‘They look like zombies’: Teens here using ‘Kpods’ drug vaporisers; CNB, HSA monitoring situation.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 15 December, 2024. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref> Short-term effects include blank stares, tremors, seizures, and the risk of a fatal overdose. Long-term use of these substances can lead to lasting cognitive impairment, including memory loss, psychosis, and permanent brain damage.<ref name=":0" />

===Affected demographics===
The Kpod trend has been particularly alarming due to its spread among adolescents, with users as young as 12 reported.<ref name=":1" /> These vapes are often incorrectly perceived as being less harmful than other drugs and are thought to be undetectable in standard drug tests.

==Government Response==
In response to the growing crisis, the Singapore government has taken a firm stance, announcing a series of policy changes and enforcement measures.

===Legal reclassification and penalties===
The Singapore Health Minister announced that etomidate would be reclassified from a controlled substance to a Class C illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as of September 1, 2025. This change means that users will be subject to stricter penalties, including mandatory rehabilitation and potential jail time, aligning the penalties with those for hard drugs.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/whole-of-government-efforts-to-tackle-vaping WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO TACKLE VAPING.]” ''Ministry of Health,'' 28 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025. </ref> Additionally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that selling these vapes will be treated as a serious drug offense, with tougher penalties, including jail sentences.<ref name=":2">Chua, Nadine. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2025-vaping-will-be-treated-as-a-drug-issue-much-stiffer-penalties-to-be-imposed-says-pm-wong NDR 2025: Vaping will be treated as a drug issue; much stiffer penalties to be imposed, says PM Wong.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 17 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

===Enforcement and public awareness===
There has been an increase in enforcement operations to seize illegal vapes and an ongoing public education campaign led by the government and various agencies. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has also launched a "Bin the Vape" initiative to encourage users to surrender their devices voluntarily.<ref name=":2" /> In a landmark case, an individual was sentenced to 16 months in prison for manufacturing and selling etomidate-laced Kpods, marking the first conviction of its kind in Singapore.<ref name=":0" />

==Kpod incidents recorded==
In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old woman died and a 30-year-old man was injured in a car-bus collision in Punggol Road. It was later revealed that the two people in the car had tested positive for etomidate in their blood samples. A large number of vapes and pods, with some containing etomidate, were found in the vehicle.<ref>Andres, Gabrielle. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/etomidate-found-in-blood-samples-of-2-people-involved-in-fatal-punggol-road-accident Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA]” ''The Straits Times,'' 25 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

A mother shared a harrowing account of her teenage son's addiction to Kpods. She recounted how the addiction left him trembling, hallucinating, and emotionally detached. She also mentioned that he had collapsed in public on at least one occasion due to his Kpod use, and his family spent a few thousand on his treatment and rehabilitation.<ref>Tushara, Elisha. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ive-tried-everything-mother-helpless-as-sons-kpod-addiction-spirals-out-of-control ‘I’ve tried everything’: Mum helpless as son’s Kpod addiction spirals out of control.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 26 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) was alerted to a case of a 13-year-old girl behaving erratically in public, showing signs of drug intoxication. An investigation led to the seizure of an etomidate-laced vape from her residence. The person who sold the device to her was also identified and arrested.<ref>Cheng, Ian. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/teen-among-3-probed-for-offences-linked-to-drug-laced-kpod-vapes-hsa Girl, 13, among 3 probed for offences linked to ‘Kpod’ drug-laced vapes: HSA.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 13 May, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

On 7 August 2025, a 22-year-old man, Muhammad Sabriee Mohd Tahar, was charged with possession and intent to sell etomidate-laced Kpods. He was found with five Kpods, three of which were allegedly for sale, near Coleman Street in central Singapore.<ref>Lam, Lydia. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kpods-sale-vapes-etomidate-man-charged-5282391 Man charged with having Kpods for sale.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 7 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

On November 19, 2024, a 27-year-old man who was addicted to Kpods became emotional when his mother confronted him about his habit. The man expressed suicidal thoughts and later attempted to jump from a corridor outside his flat. His mother and neighbors intervened, and the police were called to the scene.<ref>Lee, Jeremy. “[https://mustsharenews.com/man-mother-vapes/ S’pore man hooked on ‘Kpod’ vapes tries to jump from corridor, attacks mother who stops him.]” ''Mustsharenews,'' 24 June, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

On August 28, 2025, a 28-year-old man, who had been laid off from his job, threatened to jump off a building with his 5-year-old son after a dispute with his mother over money. The man, who had been smoking Kpods, exhibited erratic behavior and had a violent outburst during the incident. His mother, who had noticed his strange behavior and tremors, had been trying to get him to seek help.<ref>Ler, Sean. “[https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/woman-says-kpod-addicted-son-threatened-jump-grandson-after-quarrelling-over-money Woman says Kpod-addicted son 'threatened to jump' with grandson after quarrelling over money.]” ''Asiaone,'' 27 August 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

On 13 August, 2025, a youth was filmed stumbling and falling onto the ground outside Serangoon MRT station. He appeared disoriented, with his legs giving way repeatedly as he tried to walk. The incident, believed to be a result of Kpod use, prompted members of the public to call for more action against the sale of these dangerous vapes to young people.<ref>Lee, Jeremy. “[https://mustsharenews.com/youth-serangoon-mrt/ Youth lies on floor of Serangoon MRT station, allegedly seen puffing white smoke.]” ''Mustsharenews,'' 18 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

A news report mentioned a tragic case where a 19-year-old girl, Shermaine Tay, was found dead at the foot of her HDB block. Her death was ruled accidental following a fall but her father suspected that it was linked to Kpod use.<ref>Mohamed Yusof, Zaihan. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-lost-my-daughter-to-kpod-addiction-father-of-19-year-old-shares-heartbreak-and-lessons I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 13 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

In Yishun, a man was sentenced to 16 months in prison for manufacturing and selling etomidate-laced Kpods. This was the first conviction of its kind in Singapore related to this specific drug-laced vape issue.<ref>Koh, Wan Ting. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/man-manufacture-kpods-etomidate-yishun-home-pleads-guilty-5291051 Man who manufactured Kpods for sale at Yishun home pleads guilty, sentencing adjourned.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 13 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

The police and HSA have conducted numerous operations to crack down on the illegal sale of Kpods. In one such operation, an alleged Kpod seller was apprehended in Bishan, and a total of over 800 pods with the majority believed to be Kpods, were seized.<ref>khatib, Shaffiq. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/alleged-kpod-peddler-filmed-trying-to-flee-raid-in-bishan-charged-with-6-offences Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 18 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

In one night of raids on nightspots in Singapore, the police and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) checked over 640 people and seized more than 280 vapes. This is part of the broader, intensified enforcement efforts by authorities to curb the growing vaping problem.<ref>Wong, Andrew. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/over-280-vapes-seized-more-than-640-people-checked-in-one-night-by-police-hsa-in-anti-vape-raids Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked by police, HSA in anti-vape raids at nightspots.”] ''The Straits Times,'' 16 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

As of August 2025, five individuals have been formally charged in court for offenses related to Kpods, while 65 other cases are currently under investigation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vapes-kpods-cases-court-etomidate-hsa-moh-5294566 Five charged for Kpod offences, 65 other cases being investigated.]” ''Channel News Asia,'' 14 August, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref> These figures were released in a joint statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and HSA, highlighting the government's intensified efforts to combat the growing problem. The MHA is supporting the HSA by providing assistance to crack down on abusers and help with the rehabilitation of offenders.<ref>Wong, Andrew. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/mha-to-support-hsas-crackdown-on-kpod-abusers-ministry-will-help-in-treating-offenders-shanmugam MHA to support HSA’s crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam.]” ''The Straits Times,'' 30 July, 2025. Accessed 28 August 2025.</ref>

CNA did an interview with a former Kpod addict who shares how he became addicted to the drug-laced vape.

<youtube>VwsOpeVqUsE</youtube>

== References/Citations ==
<references />
[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]