A recent operation by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has shed light on a new and dangerous trend: “zombie vapes.” These are e-vaporizers laced with etomidate, a substance that was just recently classified as a controlled drug in Singapore. This marked the first major raid of its kind against a syndicate trafficking in this new type of illegal drug.
On Wednesday, September 10, the CNB arrested eight Singaporeans—seven men and one woman—for suspected drug-related crimes. The officers seized over 400 vape pods believed to contain etomidate. They also found a substantial amount of cash in various currencies, including over S$20,000, which indicates the significant profits this illegal business was generating.
In one part of the raid, officers arrested a 26-year-old and a 28-year-old at the bottom of a block in Telok Blangah Rise. Both men resisted arrest and had to be subdued by officers. They were in the midst of a deal when they were caught. The officers then went to a nearby unit and arrested two more men. Inside that flat, they found a huge stash of 327 pods, along with other vaping gear.
In Hougang Avenue 9, two men aged 29 and 32 were arrested, and more vape items and cash were found in their home. In Boon Lay Drive, a 23-year-old man was caught in his flat with five pods, and an 18-year-old woman was arrested outside, where she was carrying one of the illegal pods.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ng Khai Song, Director of CNB’s Intelligence Division, stated, “This operation shows CNB’s commitment to fighting controlled drugs, including harmful substances like etomidate. We will continue to monitor, work closely with other agencies, and send a clear message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.”
According to Lianhe Zaobao, between August 29 and September 6, more than 160 police officers, along with the CNB and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), raided 69 entertainment venues. They checked over 500 people and caught 26 men who were breaking vaping laws. All of them were fined on the spot, and over 30 vapes were confiscated.
