Singapore’s war on illegal e-vaporisers and Kpods escalated on July 10, 2025, when a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) officer had to leap into a moving vehicle to stop a suspected peddler from escaping arrest. The dramatic takedown took place during an HSA-led sting operation in Bishan Street 13.
The target of the operation was a 27-year-old male suspect involved in the illegal distribution of e-vaporisers, including Kpods, vape pods laced with etomidate or ketamine, both of which are powerful sedatives. Etomidate, a known anaesthetic, is currently regulated under the Poisons Act. Possession or distribution without a licence is illegal and punishable by up to two years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
In the lead-up to the operation, an officer from HSA posed as a buyer and contacted the suspect through a Telegram listing, where two Kpods were being offered for $140 with delivery included. The suspect arranged to meet in Bishan and arrived at the designated location around 3:45pm in a grey car.
As officers moved in to make the arrest, the suspect attempted to flee by accelerating his vehicle. In response, one officer quickly opened the car’s front door and leapt into the moving vehicle. The car was forced to a halt about 50 metres away. The suspect was then apprehended.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a significant stash of illegal vape products. Seized from the car were 28 vaping devices and 814 pods, many believed to be Kpods. Officers also discovered envelopes prepared for delivery and folders labelled with Kpod brand names such as “Zombie” and “USDT.”
Following the arrest, officers conducted a follow-up raid at the suspect’s nearby residence. There, they uncovered additional quantities of vape devices and components. The suspect claimed he was only acting as a delivery person.
This was the second notable arrest involving Kpods in recent weeks. On June 23, HSA officers, acting on a tip-off, raided a residence in Yishun Avenue 6. A 22-year-old woman believed to be a hostess at a local nightclub was found with three other individuals, two women aged 22 and 33, and a 32-year-old man. When approached by officers, all four appeared groggy and disoriented. They later admitted to having consumed Kpods shortly before the raid.
The Yishun raid resulted in the seizure of 219 vape devices and components, many suspected to be Kpods. Investigations revealed that the 22-year-old hostess had been advertising Kpods on social media, and her customer base reportedly included her own colleagues from the nightlife industry.
These enforcement operations mark a significant escalation in Singapore’s effort to dismantle the illegal supply chain of harmful vaping products. Authorities are particularly concerned about the rise in distribution of chemically-laced Kpods, which are marketed deceptively and often consumed without users’ full awareness of the health risks.
The Health Sciences Authority has reiterated its warning that e-vaporisers and Kpods can contain dangerous or unknown substances. Etomidate, in particular, is a prescription-only sedative, and its recreational use can result in serious health complications or overdose.
The HSA continues to urge the public to avoid purchasing or using such illegal devices and to report any suspected sales or distribution of Kpods or e-vaporisers to the authorities. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
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