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DIY Vapes in Yishun: Man Charged for Making Drug-Laced Kpods

First case in Singapore sees man charged for manufacturing Kpods with anaesthetic agent etomidate

A 41-year-old Singaporean man has become the first in the country to be charged for manufacturing illicit e-vaporisers—known as Kpods—containing a clinical anaesthetic agent. Authorities seized hundreds of components and pods from his Yishun flat.

Drug-Laced Kpods Made in HDB Flat

Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, was charged on 17 July 2025 under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act for manufacturing e-vaporiser pods laced with etomidate, a potent sedative typically used in hospitals. According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Akil produced the pods—known locally as Kpods—at his home in Block 269B Yishun Street 22 with the intent to sell them.

Empty e-vaporiser pods. Credit: Health Sciences Authority

Authorities seized an alarming cache on 11 December 2024, including

569 empty pod casings
534 pod components
1,485 pod covers
100 loose vape pods
Tools and materials for pod assembly

Illegal Sale and Possession of Poison

Akil was also found selling 100 vape pods containing 150ml of etomidate liquid outside his flat shortly after midnight on the same day. Later that morning, he was caught with 26.4g of white powder, which also tested positive for etomidate—an anaesthetic classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. He now faces two charges under the Poisons Act for possessing and selling the substance.

Etomidate in its powder form (left), and a weighing scale (right), were among the items found in Akil’s home. Credit: Health Sciences Authority

Appearing via video link, Akil told the court that he intended to plead guilty and would not seek legal counsel, stating: “I don’t want to waste the court’s time.”

False Statement to Immigration Authority

Besides drug-related offences, Akil was also charged under the Passports Act. On 20 January 2025, he allegedly lied to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), claiming he lost his passport and NRIC at a coffee shop—an assertion later proven false.

Akil has been in remand since 20 June, and prosecutors confirmed a plea offer will be extended. His guilty plea is expected to be entered on 23 July.

Authorities Tighten Grip on Vaping

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs have expressed growing concern over Kpods and their public health impact. In a 12 July 2025 joint statement, they warned that etomidate—when vaped instead of injected—could lead to breathing difficulties, seizures, and psychosis. It is not approved for recreational inhalation and poses severe health risks.

The HSA has reiterated its stance on the strict regulation of poisons and is working with other agencies to tighten vaping laws, as more cases involving drug-laced vapes surface.

Public Urged to Report Offenders

In support of ongoing investigations, the HSA encourages the public to report vaping-related offences via its Tobacco Regulation Branch (Tel: 6684-2036 or 6684-2037, weekdays 9am–5.30pm).

Meanwhile, The Straits Times has launched a campaign titled “Vaping: The Invisible Crisis”, amplifying stories from families who’ve suffered the consequences of unregulated vaping devices. The campaign highlights the silent epidemic growing among youths and unregulated markets.

Akil’s case underscores a troubling trend: the rise of drug-laced e-vaporisers in Southeast Asia. As Singapore confronts its first homegrown Kpods operation, the region—particularly neighbouring Indonesia—should be vigilant. Stricter laws and public education are essential to curb the expanding reach of dangerous substances like etomidate in illicit vaping markets.

Sources: Must Share News (2025) , Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Vaping, Kpods Etomidate, Illegal E-Vaporisers, Health Sciences Authority, Yishun Drug Case, Tobacco Control Act

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