Youth Collapses at Serangoon MRT After Suspected Vape Use
Commuters at Serangoon MRT station witnessed a troubling incident on 13 August when a youth stumbled on a travelator before collapsing on the ground. The case has raised concerns about the growing use of dangerous “Kpods”, a type of vape laced with the sedative drug etomidate.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to 8world, the youth was seen exhaling “white smoke” moments before losing balance. Video clips circulating online showed him staggering off the travelator and falling backwards onto the floor. He remained motionless until passersby checked on him. When asked if he was alright, the youth weakly replied that he was “okay” while attempting to sit up.
The incident occurred between the Circle Line and Downtown Line sections of the station at around 4.40pm, prompting renewed attention to Singapore’s strict stance on vaping.
Vaping Remains Illegal on Public Transport
SMRT issued a reminder on 18 August that vaping is banned in Singapore and strictly prohibited on trains and buses. “We enforce a zero-tolerance policy and will not hesitate to report offenders to the relevant authorities,” the transport operator wrote in a Facebook update.
This case follows a similar incident earlier in the month involving a 17-year-old caught with a vape and pod after collapsing on an MRT train. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) confirmed the teenager is assisting with investigations.
Under current regulations, anyone found vaping in Singapore can face fines of up to S$2,000. Those involved in manufacturing or distributing harmful vape products risk even harsher punishments.
Dangers of Kpods and Etomidate
Kpods, street slang for etomidate-laced vapes, have been described as a rising public health hazard. Videos circulating online show users behaving erratically, with some collapsing into a “zombie-like” state.
Etomidate is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act 1938 and is normally used in hospitals as an anaesthetic. When inhaled, it can cause severe side effects including vomiting, spasms, psychiatric symptoms, aggression, and even suicidal impulses. Medically, it may also lead to hypertension, hormonal imbalance, and impaired consciousness.
Between January and May this year, HSA found etomidate in 21 cases of unnatural deaths, eight of which involved victims under 30.
Singapore’s Tougher Measures Against Harmful Vapes
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced in July that etomidate will be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This means anyone trafficking, possessing, or consuming Kpods could face jail, caning, or both.
To help reduce usage, vape disposal bins were introduced islandwide, allowing individuals to surrender devices anonymously. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also reinforced during the 2025 National Day Rally that vaping will be treated as a “drug issue” rather than a minor offence, with tougher penalties for those who sell or distribute harmful products.
Earlier this month, a 41-year-old man from Yishun became the first in Singapore to be convicted of manufacturing Kpods at home. Prosecutors have sought a jail term of up to 15 months for the offender, underscoring how seriously the authorities view the issue.