In a shocking Singaporean news update, a former NTU engineering student, Ivan Tan Zhi Xuan, has been arrested in Malaysia for allegedly leading a syndicate that trafficked cocaine-laced vapes. Tan, 31, reportedly tried to recruit students in South Korea to distribute the dangerous e-vaporiser liquids in Seoul.
Tan had previously left NTU in 2019 to run a bak chor mee stall in Ang Mo Kio, inheriting the family business name from his wife’s grandfather. The stall originally operated in Bedok. Following the closure of his stall, Tan ventured into other businesses, including nightclubs, F&B establishments, and vehicle rental firms in Singapore.
Syndicate Monitored by South Korean Authorities
The syndicate first came under the scrutiny of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). South Korean authorities expressed concerns about the health risks posed by vapes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic that can be addictive and dangerous. Security footage showed Tan entering and leaving Incheon Airport multiple times between 2023 and 2025, raising suspicions of his role in the international drug network.
Tan allegedly set up a headhunting firm in Gangnam, Seoul, to recruit young South Koreans who had previously studied in Singapore. Three associates joined him in the operation: Tristan Chew Jin Zhong, 25, and Quek Kien Seng, 45, both Singaporeans, and a 51-year-old Malaysian named Kong Sien Mee. They were reportedly tasked with distributing “Kpods,” vapes laced with etomidate and cocaine.
Arrest and Drug Seizure
Following intelligence from NIS, Malaysian authorities arrested Tan and his three associates in Selangor on June 19, 2025. Police seized 10 boxes containing 4,958 vape cartridges suspected to contain 9.42 litres of cocaine. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at RM7.29 million (S$2.2 million).
Malaysian police explained that the syndicate rented luxury condominium units in Kuala Lumpur to package the vapes before exporting them to other countries. Investigations suggest the operation started in March 2025. Three of the suspects reportedly earned S$100 to S$200 per day, while Tan kept the profits from the sales.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, the four men face severe penalties under Malaysian law, including the death penalty or life imprisonment with caning. Authorities from South Korea and Malaysia are continuing investigations to determine if cocaine was added to etomidate to increase hallucinogenic effects and addictiveness.
The NIS also alleged that the syndicate planned to smuggle up to 20,000 vapes monthly, potentially affecting the health of around two million people. The case remains pending in Malaysian courts, highlighting the ongoing risks of drug trafficking across Southeast Asia.