Teen Collapses Like ‘Zombie’ on MRT, Found with Vape Linked to Kpod Abuse
A 17-year-old teenager in Singapore was filmed stumbling and collapsing inside an MRT train carriage — and was later found in possession of a vape and pod suspected to be laced with etomidate, the active ingredient in what is colloquially known as a “Kpod”.
The incident was first brought to public attention through a viral 15-second video on Reddit, showing the teen, dressed in a white shirt, walking unsteadily before falling backwards onto the floor of the train. The clip was captioned “Kpod final boss,” referencing the term commonly used to describe vapes laced with powerful sedatives.
Teen Assisting Authorities, Kpods Under Investigation
According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the teen is currently assisting in investigations. The agency addressed the incident via an Instagram story on August 1, confirming that a vape device was found on the teenager during the episode.
Authorities are increasingly alarmed over the rise in Kpod abuse — referring to vape pods containing etomidate, a controlled drug typically used in hospitals as an anaesthetic. In the wrong hands, this substance induces erratic, zombie-like behaviour, and can be potentially fatal.
The same substance was found in the blood of two individuals involved in a deadly car crash in Punggol on May 13. It has also been linked to several disturbing public incidents, including a case involving four teens acting unusually at Punggol Town Hall in June.
Etomidate to Be Classified as Controlled Drug
In response to the rising threat, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on July 20 that it is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to classify etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
This change would mean that those found using or in possession of etomidate-laced vapes would be subjected to mandatory rehabilitation, similar to existing laws on drug use. Repeat offenders could face criminal prosecution, with potential jail terms.
The issue has escalated so rapidly that the first Kpod manufacturing case has already entered the courts. On July 17, a 41-year-old man in Yishun was charged with producing Kpods for sale from his flat — marking Singapore’s first known prosecution of its kind.
Authorities Sound Alarm on Public Health Risk
Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam spoke out on July 30, noting that the government is considering new legislation to combat substances like etomidate more effectively. He added that agencies are working closely with schools, parents, and enforcement teams to stem the tide of Kpod-related abuse.
The case of the teenager collapsing in public has struck a chord online and reignited public concern over the dangers of youth vaping. With the substance now linked to erratic behaviour, serious injury, and death, authorities are urging families and educators to remain vigilant.
Kpods, once seen as a passing trend among youth, are now fast becoming a national health crisis.