Vaping has become an increasingly concerning issue. In recent months alone, several reports have surfaced of teenagers collapsing or stumbling in public after using etomidate-laced vapes, also known as ‘Kpods’.
More often than not, these teenagers required hospitalisation.
Several parents have also spoken of the issue to local media outlets, expressing anguish over the state of their vape-addicted children. In one case, a parent even blamed herself for her son’s addiction.
“Parents will always blame themselves,” the parent said. “Did the divorce affect him? Was I too busy with work?”
As the ill consequences of vaping become increasingly hard to ignore, the government has begun cracking down on vape-related offences. And on 17 Aug 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong formally addressed the issue.
He also warned during the speech that “the next chapter opens in a more troubled and turbulent world”.
Vaping and Etomidate
During the speech, PM Wong recognised the serious concerns of vaping.
He acknowledged that even though vaping has been banned in Singapore, people are continuing to smuggle vapes in. He also noted that they are actively finding ways to exploit potential loopholes in the law.
To make matters worse, it’s not just e-cigarettes, but vapes laced with addictive and harmful substances like etomidate. Etomidate is a strong sedative normally used in hospitals to put patients to sleep for surgery.
PM Wong fears that etomidate could just be the start, with the future potentially harbouring something even worse.
Could Lead to Death
Etomidate-laced vapes are dangerous and can make people dizzy, drowsy or even faint. Usage of these ‘Kpods’ could also lead to a drop in heart and blood pressure, causing shock or even death.
Individuals who are addicted to these ‘Kpods’ might also experience a loss of emotional control. In one instance, a 27-year-old Singaporean, confronted by his mother about the drug use, lost control of his emotions and threatened to take his own life.
He even attacked his own mother, choking and slamming her against the wall.
Stricter Penalties
“So far, we’ve treated vaping like tobacco. At most, we impose a fine. But that’s no longer enough,” PM Wong said.
To curb the issue, they are formally treating this as a drug issue with much stiffer penalties.
Jail sentences and more severe punishments will be meted out to those who sell vapes with harmful substances.
Those addicted to vapes will receive supervision and rehabilitation to “help them quit”.
“We will step up nation-wide enforcement,” PM Wong said.
Public Education Drive
A major public education drive will commence in schools, institutes of higher learning, and during national service.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Health will be leading the efforts, but the exercise will essentially involve the whole government.
According to PM Wong, the agencies have already started.
More details will be shared with the public soon.
At the time of writing, those who possess, use or purchase vapes can face a maximum fine of up to S$2,000.
Those who are found guilty of importing, selling or distributing vapes face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both for the first offence. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
“Bin the Vape” initiative.
A counsellor from the WE CARE rehabilitation centre told a local media outlet that two main types of Kpods exist on the market. One contains ketamine, and the other contains etomidate.
Etomidate is more common now, the counsellor noted. Lest you’re not aware, one in three vapes seized by the authorities contain etomidate.
Kpod addiction is spreading rapidly among those aged 13 to 34.
To encourage vape users to give up their devices, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) launched the “Bin the Vape” initiative.
Individuals can dispose of their vapes at any one of the disposal bins at 23 designated community centres in Singapore.
HSA has assured that identities will not be traced.
Just recently, a man in Yishun (yes, of all places…) became the first in Singapore to be convicted of manufacturing kpods.
