An 18-year-old man in Singapore has been charged in court over the alleged trafficking of drug-laced vape pods, marking another case in the country’s intensified crackdown on illegal vaporiser activities.
The accused, Goh Shao Zhi Cornelius, was charged by the Health Sciences Authority on Apr. 6 after investigations revealed he had been selling etomidate-laced vaporiser pods, commonly referred to as “Kpods”.
Authorities allege that he used the messaging platform Telegram to inform buyers about stock availability, suggesting a coordinated effort to distribute the prohibited items.
Raid Leads To Seizure Of Over 100 Pods
The case came to light following a tip-off received by enforcement officers. On Apr. 4, HSA conducted an operation at the teenager’s residence, where a search uncovered a significant quantity of vaping-related items.
Officers seized one vaporiser device, 108 pods and a packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes. Laboratory testing later confirmed that the pods contained etomidate, a substance that has been increasingly associated with illicit vaping products.
The duty-unpaid cigarettes have since been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation, while the case involving the vape pods remains ongoing.
Second Teen Charged In Similar Offence
Goh is reportedly the second 18-year-old to face charges related to trafficking such substances. In an earlier case, another teenager had been charged in October 2025 for similar offences involving etomidate-laced vaporiser pods.
Authorities have noted a concerning trend of younger individuals becoming involved in the distribution of illegal vaping products, often leveraging digital platforms to reach potential buyers.
The growing prevalence of such cases has prompted stricter enforcement and harsher penalties.
Tougher Laws Target Drug-Laced Vapes
Under Singapore’s enhanced legal framework, individuals involved in the importation, sale or distribution of etomidate vaporisers face severe consequences.
Currently, importers can face between three and 20 years’ imprisonment along with caning, while sellers and distributors may receive two to 10 years’ jail and corporal punishment if convicted.
From May 2026, the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 will further tighten regulations by classifying etomidate and similar substances as Specified Psychoactive Substances.
This aligns penalties with those under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance towards drug-related offences.
Authorities Warn Of Serious Consequences
The HSA has reiterated that trafficking and distributing such products is a serious offence, particularly when substances with psychoactive effects are involved.
The case has been adjourned to May 4, with investigations still ongoing.
This latest development serves as a stark warning that Singapore authorities are stepping up enforcement against illegal vaping activities, especially those involving controlled or harmful substances.