17-year-old caught in viral MRT clip found with vape, now assisting HSA investigations
A 17-year-old teen seen stumbling and collapsing in a viral MRT video was found with a vape and pod, sparking concerns over the rising abuse of drug-laced vapes in Singapore. Authorities believe the incident may be linked to the increasingly dangerous trend of etomidate-infused devices known as “Kpods.”
Viral Clip Triggers Alarm
A short video posted on the Singapore Incidents Instagram page on Aug 1 captured a teenager in white clothing stumbling inside an MRT cabin before falling backward near the train doors. A shocked commuter can be heard asking, “Are you okay?”
Shortly after the video gained attention, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) confirmed it had identified the 17-year-old, who was found with an e-vaporiser and a pod. The teen is now cooperating with investigators, HSA stated via Instagram Stories the same day.
Suspected Kpod Use Raises Red Flags
The teen’s erratic behavior has been linked online to “Kpods,” a street term for etomidate-laced vapes. Etomidate is a hospital-grade anesthetic restricted to medical use. Misuse can cause disorientation, memory loss, and collapse—symptoms mirroring those seen in the MRT clip.
SMRT Trains President Lam Sheau Kai confirmed that the teen was located by station staff and handed over to the authorities. SMRT has issued a notice of offence and reiterated that illegal activity will be dealt with firmly.
Authorities Step Up Enforcement
The Health Sciences Authority has reported 28 etomidate-related cases in 2025 alone, nearly triple the 10 cases in 2024. Alarmingly, blood samples from two victims of a fatal crash in Punggol in May also tested positive for the substance.
On July 30, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam announced that etomidate will be reclassified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This allows authorities to place users under mandatory supervision and rehabilitation, much like existing drug offenders.
Growing Trend of Vape Abuse
Reports of erratic public behavior linked to Kpod use have surged online, with users dubbed “zombies” due to their vacant stares and staggering movements.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are also working closely with schools and parents to increase awareness and curb access to such dangerous substances. In July 2025, a 41-year-old Singaporean became the first person charged with allegedly manufacturing Kpods in Yishun.
Wider Public Health Implications
According to HSA, more than 17,900 individuals were caught possessing or using e-vaporisers between January 2024 and March 2025, underscoring the scale of the issue. Beyond legal consequences, authorities stress the long-term health risks posed by unregulated and drug-laced vape products.
Efforts are underway to craft long-term legislation targeting not just etomidate but also other synthetic substances that could harm public health if misused.
The collapse of a teen in Singapore’s MRT, now believed to be linked to a drug-laced vape, highlights the urgent threat posed by Kpods. As Singapore tightens legislation and boosts enforcement, the case sends a strong warning across the region: vaping is no longer just a bad habit—it can be a dangerous, life-altering decision. Regional cooperation, public awareness, and parental vigilance are more vital than ever.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Mothership (2025)
Keywords: MRT Collapse, Teen Vape Incident, Etomidate Vape, Singapore Kpod, HSA Investigation
