The Rise of Kpods: A Growing Concern in Singapore
In 2025, an alarming situation unfolded in Singapore, highlighting the dangers of a new trend in substance abuse. A mother, referred to as Susan, sought to have her 19-year-old son arrested due to his severe addiction to drug-laced e-vaporisers known as Kpods, which are infused with etomidate, a potent anaesthetic. This case sheds light on the troubling impacts of youth vaping in an era flooded with misinformation and substance misuse.
The Transformation of a Teenager
Since November 2024, Susan’s son underwent a drastic transformation from a vibrant, active teenager to someone deeply withdrawn and troubled. This decline coincided with his first encounter with Kpods. The concerning behavior escalated to self-harm; Susan discovered cuts on his face and arms, further underscoring the psychological turmoil he was enduring. Despite trying to intervene, including setting up security cameras, she often found herself in disbelief about the extent of his struggles.
In a heartbreaking admission, Susan revealed, “We saw many videos on TikTok saying Kpods can make a person suicidal.” Despite her efforts to talk to her son, he minimized his injuries, attributing them to accidents related to lion dancing. As time passed, Susan noted a string of troubling signs—her son was frequently changing shorts late at night, possibly due to losing control over his bladder while under the influence of etomidate.
Legal Challenges and Government Response
In an attempt to seek help, Susan reached out to the authorities. However, she soon faced a harsh reality: etomidate is not classified as a Class A controlled drug in Singapore. Consequently, the legal repercussions for her son’s vaping practices would likely result in a mere fine rather than imprisonment, even though he was suffering from a serious addiction. The law currently stipulates that possession of etomidate can lead to up to two years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The Poisons Act governs etomidate in Singapore, creating a complex web of regulations that hampers effective law enforcement against misuse. Susan’s struggles illustrate the difficulties families face in navigating the legal system while trying to protect their loved ones from destructive habits.
The Surge of Kpods in Southeast Asia
Kpods, which gained prominence in Singapore in early 2024, have roots in larger regional trends where drug syndicates increasingly lace vapes with synthetic drugs. Reports indicate that 65.6% of vape liquids seized in Malaysia during 2023 and 2024 contained hazardous drugs, echoing a broader epidemic in Southeast Asia. In fact, drug trafficking syndicates have been adapting to changing market demands, finding a niche with Kpods, which are often marketed as harmless to young consumers.
This worrying trend has prompted health authorities to increase their vigilance. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reported a significant increase in cases involving Kpods, rising from just 10 incidents in 2024 to 28 in the first half of 2025. Videos circulating online of young people experiencing erratic behavior after using Kpods have further fueled public concern.
Health Consequences and Youth Vulnerability
Research by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that the rising popularity of Kpods represents a larger crisis in Southeast Asia, where criminal organizations are lacing vaping products with various synthetic drugs, including etomidate and ketamine. Symptoms of etomidate abuse include hand tremors, unsteadiness, and mental confusion, raising serious public safety concerns.
Dr. Clare Anne Fong, a respiratory and critical care physician, expressed concern regarding the addictive nature of Kpods. The combination of nicotine and etomidate could enhance the addictive potential of these products, putting vulnerable youth at even greater risk. Health professionals warn that the clandestine marketing of Kpods, often embedding misinformation about their safety, exacerbates substance misuse issues among young people.
The Role of Misinformation and Social Media
With the ubiquity of misinformation regarding vaping in society, especially among youth, it becomes apparent that educational efforts must target this demographic. Misleading studies, often sponsored by the vaping industry, contribute to a misunderstanding of the risks involved. Dr. Yvette van der Eijk emphasizes the importance of educating young people on distinguishing credible information from harmful myths surrounding vaping.
Legislative Measures and Enforcement Challenges
Despite the ban on vaping in Singapore since 2018, the reality is stark. The HSA has confiscated nearly $41 million worth of vapes from January 2024 to March 2025—nearly five times the reported value from previous years. Growing numbers of students from primary schools to higher education institutes are being reported for possessing or using vapes, indicating that enforcement of existing laws remains a significant challenge.
Community Resources and Support
As families like Susan’s grapple with the challenges of addiction, mental health resources and support mechanisms are crucial. Several organizations are available in Singapore to offer assistance, including the Institute of Mental Health’s helpline and other support services tailored to children and families. These resources aim to provide crucial help for those affected by substance abuse, fostering a community approach to tackle this looming public health crisis.
Conclusion
The saga of Kpods in Singapore exemplifies a multilayered crisis surrounding youth vaping and drug misuse. As concerns deepen and families seek solutions, a comprehensive approach involving community support, public education, and stringent legislative action may hold the key to addressing this emerging threat to public health and safety.
