On June 24, 2025, a group of four male teenagers was seen behaving unusually at Punggol Town Hall at approximately 1am. The incident, which took place near Waterway Point and Punggol MRT station, was captured in a video by a concerned member of the public. The footage, later circulated online, shows the youths appearing disoriented and unsteady, prompting widespread speculation that the teenagers had consumed a substance known locally as “zombie vapes” or “KPods.”
These “KPods” are vape products reportedly laced with etomidate, a substance classified as a poison under Singapore’s Poisons Act. Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent commonly used in medical settings. According to the Health Sciences Authority, its side effects can include nausea, vomiting, involuntary muscle spasms, and even psychosis, which could account for the erratic and zombie-like behavior observed in the video.
In the video, one teenager is seen lying on the ground while the other three stagger around in a disoriented manner. One individual, dressed in black, is seen walking unsteadily before collapsing. Another, in white, approaches a peer and hugs him before squatting on the floor. It remains unclear whether the behaviour was the result of substance use or an act of performance, but a police report was lodged shortly after the witness who filmed the video left the scene with his friends.
Shin Min Daily News reported on the matter and visited the location the next day. Interviews with youths who frequently gather in the area revealed that the site is a common hangout spot due to its open space and accessibility. However, none of the interviewees claimed to know the individuals in the video. One suggested that the strange behaviour seen was likely caused by the use of “zombie vapes.”
Concerns have been rising over the increasing popularity of vaping among teenagers in Singapore. The public response to the viral video on social media was swift, with many commenters voicing alarm about the accessibility of illegal vaping products, especially those potentially containing harmful or unregulated substances. Several users called for tighter regulations and more robust enforcement efforts to address what they describe as a growing health and safety concern among Singapore’s youth.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, local shop assistants near the scene of the incident told Shin Min that groups of young people regularly congregate in the area, often vaping and lingering until late at night. One staff member mentioned that he has seen gatherings of up to 50 teenagers. He also noted that property vandalism has been a recurring issue, including an incident earlier this year in which a store signboard was damaged. A police report was filed in that case, although it remains unknown whether any action was taken against the perpetrator.
Police investigations into the current incident are believed to be ongoing. No official statements from law enforcement or health authorities have been released as of June 26. However, the case has reignited public debate over the dangers of illicit vaping products and youth substance abuse.
The Health Sciences Authority has previously warned the public about the health risks posed by e-cigarettes and vape products. In Singapore, the importation, sale, or possession of such items is illegal. Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, offenders may face fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
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