A 27-year-old Singaporean man has been charged in court for allegedly possessing a staggering stash of illegal vape products, specifically more than 800 K-pods believed to be intended for sale.
Identified as Chin Wei Liang, Jodan, the accused was brought before the court on July 18, where he faced six criminal charges. These charges include three counts for possessing K-pods or their components for the purpose of sale and three additional counts for merely possessing the illegal products, reported CNA.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), which led the operation that resulted in Chin’s arrest, had previously raised alarms about K-pods. These vape pods are known to contain etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic classified as a poison under Singapore’s Poisons Act. Inhaling this substance can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, and even psychosis.
Chin was arrested during a raid conducted on July 10 at a residential unit along Bishan Street 13. Authorities reportedly seized an extensive collection of vape products from his premises, including hundreds of K-pods under various brands.
Large Quantity of Branded Vapes Found
Court documents revealed the scale of Chin’s alleged stash. Items seized include two ‘USDT’ grape-flavoured K-pods valued at S$140, along with dozens to hundreds of pods under brand names like ‘Lucifer’, ‘Beta XL’, ‘Marbo’, ‘$’, ‘Zombie’, and ‘VIP’. In total, the authorities discovered 812 individual K-pods.
In addition, Chin was allegedly found with 24 vape devices without pods that he had purportedly intended to sell. The raid also uncovered three other vapes (one missing its pod), assorted vape paraphernalia, and a box containing 19 ‘Heetsticks’—classified in Singapore as harmful tobacco products.
This case highlights a growing concern over the rise of synthetic and chemical-laced vape products being trafficked into Singapore, despite the country’s strict anti-vaping laws.
Investigations Ongoing, More Charges Possible
The prosecution has requested a six-week adjournment to allow time for further investigations. They mentioned that more charges could be forthcoming, given the “large quantity of suspected K-pods” found in Chin’s possession.
If convicted of possessing imitation tobacco products or related components with the intent to sell, Chin could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. For repeat offenders, the maximum penalty doubles to 12 months’ imprisonment and a S$20,000 fine.
Even without intent to sell, possession of these items is illegal in Singapore, and offenders may be fined up to S$2,000 for each charge.
Chin is scheduled to return to court in August. The case serves as a reminder of Singapore’s uncompromising stance on unauthorised tobacco and vape products, with the authorities warning that any engagement in such activities—whether for personal use or sale—will not be taken lightly.