In recent years, Singapore has seen a disturbing rise in the abuse of drug-laced e-vaporisers—particularly among youth. What appears to be a harmless vape can be laced with dangerous substances like etomidate, ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine—often unknown to the user. At the forefront of this trend is a new street term: K-Pods.
This article aims to raise public awareness and highlight the real dangers of these substances, especially for parents, educators, and concerned loved ones.
What Are K-Pods?
K-Pods are vape pods laced with etomidate, a short-acting anaesthetic typically used in controlled medical settings. When inhaled through the lungs, however, etomidate can produce euphoric, trance-like effects—and severe harm.
These vapes are marketed to teens under names like zombie spice or space oil and often flavoured with fruity options like mango or blueberry. Sellers falsely claim K-Pods are “safe” and “undetectable,” misleading young users into thinking there are no consequences.
📰 Channel NewsAsia: Rise in etomidate-laced vapes among Singapore youths
The Alarming Surge in Singapore
• Over 20 K-Pod cases were identified by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in the first quarter of 2025—a fourfold increase from 2024.
• Victims are often teenagers aged 13 to 19, some found unresponsive or behaving erratically in public after vaping.
• CNB and HSA have reported five confirmed cases of etomidate and one case involving ketamine in seized pods since March 2025.
📰AsiaOne: Teens behave erratically after allegedly using drug-laced K-Pods
📰 The Straits Times: HSA confirms anaesthetic in vape pods used by teens
Known Substances in Drug-Laced Vapes
Apart from etomidate, vapes have been found laced with:
• Ketamine (a hallucinogen and dissociative agent)
• Methamphetamine (highly addictive stimulant)
• Cocaine (intensely addictive and illegal stimulant)
• Heroin (opioid causing respiratory depression and death)
• Synthetic cannabinoids (can cause seizures, psychosis)
• TBC compounds (toxic, lab-manipulated chemicals)
These substances are often undetectable by smell or appearance, making them especially dangerous.
📰 South China Morning Post: Singaporeans involved in cocaine-laced vape trafficking
Health Risks
When inhaled, these substances pose serious risks:
• Seizures, unconsciousness, and breathing problems
• Paranoia, hallucinations, aggression
• Overdose, coma, or death
Etomidate in particular may cause respiratory depression and dependency. Its recreational use is both medically dangerous and legally prohibited.
📰 HSA Official Statement: Seizure of etomidate-laced vapes
Legal Consequences in Singapore
• Vaping is illegal under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
• Possession of etomidate-laced products violates the Poisons Act. Offenders face:
• Up to 2 years’ imprisonment
• And/or $10,000 fine
• Drug trafficking—including drug-laced vape liquids—can result in capital punishment under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
📰 CNA Commentary: Drug-laced vapes and policy tightening
What Authorities Are Doing
• Online crackdowns: Over 6,800 illegal vape listings removed in 2025.
• Stronger enforcement: Random checks, school outreach, and border screening intensified.
• Education efforts: HSA and CNB are working with schools and social service agencies to raise awareness among youth.
📰 MOH Response in Parliament on K-Pod Regulation
How Parents and Loved Ones Can Help
• Watch for signs: sudden mood swings, vape use, erratic behavior, secrecy.
• Talk openly: create a non-judgmental space for conversations about drug risks.
• Seek help early: Addiction is treatable. Denial and shame delay recovery.
At Addictions Recovery Singapore, we provide confidential counseling, intervention services, and science-based treatment to help individuals overcome substance abuse.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you love is using vapes or drugs:
📞 Call us: +65 8824 2995
📍 Visit: www.addictionsrecovery.sg
📧 Email: contact@addictionsrecovery.sg
Transforming Struggles into Strength.
Your recovery journey starts here.
