A Singaporean man who was previously reported missing while travelling in Vietnam has been arrested after Vietnamese authorities linked him to an alleged syndicate involved in the distribution of vape products containing etomidate, an anaesthetic that has increasingly become a concern for law enforcement across the region.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Oh Jiang Fong, is accused of supplying etomidate-laced vape liquid to an organised group that allegedly manufactured and distributed the products to customers in Vietnam.
Vietnamese media reported that police carried out a major enforcement operation on 31 July, resulting in the arrest of 65 suspects, including several foreign nationals believed to have played significant roles within the network.
International Syndicate Allegedly Involved
According to Vietnamese authorities, the group included 10 foreign nationals, comprising four Singaporeans, four Malaysians and two Taiwanese.
Investigators identified 30-year-old Malaysian Hoo Jia How and 30-year-old Singaporean Melvin Tan Junjie as the alleged leaders of the operation.
Police said the investigation began in early July after authorities uncovered information about the suspected drug-laced vape distribution network.
During a raid on a residential property, officers allegedly seized 1,331 vape cartridges along with 140ml of e-liquid believed to contain etomidate.
Investigators claimed that based on statements provided by those arrested, Tan and Hoo allegedly collected the etomidate-laced liquid from Oh before transporting it to a rented residence on Cong Quynh Street.
The pair are accused of filling vape pods with the substance before selling the finished products to both Vietnamese residents and foreign customers. Authorities believe some purchasers used the products personally, while others allegedly resold them.
Family Had Earlier Appealed for Help
The arrest comes just days after Oh’s family and friends launched online appeals seeking information about his whereabouts after they lost contact with him during his trip.
According to those appeals, Oh travelled from Singapore to Vietnam on 16 July and was expected to return home two days later. When he failed to return, relatives reported him missing and appealed to the public for assistance.
Images released by Vietnamese authorities following the operation showed Oh in police custody alongside several other suspects.
The case has since revealed that his disappearance was connected to the ongoing criminal investigation rather than an unexplained missing person case.
Growing Concern Over Etomidate-Laced Vapes
Etomidate is a prescription anaesthetic intended for medical use under professional supervision. However, authorities in several countries have raised concerns over its illegal use in vape products, warning that inhaling the substance can cause serious health effects, including impaired consciousness, dizziness and loss of coordination.
The latest arrests highlight continued efforts by Vietnamese authorities to dismantle cross-border syndicates allegedly involved in the illegal manufacture and distribution of drug-laced vape products.
Investigations remain ongoing, and the suspects have not been convicted of any offences at the time of publication. They are expected to face further legal proceedings under Vietnamese law as authorities continue examining the extent of the alleged operation.