The 31-year-old suspect was discovered dazed in a car facing the wrong direction, leading to a drug trafficking charge under Singapore’s tightened vaping laws.
A 31-year-old man was charged on Wednesday (Oct 22) with trafficking e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate, a Class C controlled substance known on the street as “Kpods.” The discovery followed an unusual police encounter in Punggol Central, where the man’s vehicle was found stationary and facing against the flow of traffic.
Unusual Police Encounter in Punggol
The case began on Tuesday, Oct 21, when officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) responded to a call for assistance at Punggol Central. They discovered a car stopped in the middle of the road — facing the wrong direction. The driver, later identified as Chua Beng Kai Jeremy, appeared visibly dazed when approached.
Upon inspection, officers noticed a plastic bag in the back seat containing several smaller packets. Some appeared to hold vaping devices. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) was alerted and quickly dispatched enforcement officers to the scene.
2 Vapes and 30 Kpods Seized
HSA officers seized two e-vaporisers and 30 e-vaporiser pods from the vehicle. Laboratory testing later confirmed that the pods contained etomidate, the psychoactive substance found in Kpods — a synthetic sedative with potentially dangerous side effects when inhaled.
Investigators believe the items were meant for illegal distribution, as Kpods have become increasingly prevalent in Singapore’s underground vaping scene.
Charged Under Strict Drug and Vaping Laws
Chua was formally charged in court on Wednesday, Oct 22, for allegedly trafficking etomidate e-vaporiser pods. Under Singapore’s stringent laws, offenders convicted of such offences face two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane.
For importers, the penalties are even harsher — three to 20 years in jail and five to 15 strokes of the cane — following the enhanced enforcement framework introduced on September 1 to curb e-vaporiser-related trafficking.
Chua’s case has been adjourned to Nov 19 as investigations continue.
Part of a Rising Trend in Etomidate Cases
This arrest comes just days after 18-year-old Kwek Rui An Rayern was charged with a similar offence on Oct 17. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers had found two vapes and 127 suspected Kpods in Kwek’s car, with additional pods seized from his home in Bedok. His case is scheduled for mention on Oct 24.
Authorities have noted a worrying rise in etomidate-laced vaping products being sold as recreational “relaxants” — often marketed to youths through social media.
HSA: Zero Tolerance for Kpod Trafficking
In a press release, HSA reiterated its firm stance on e-vaporiser and etomidate offences. “We take a serious view of such cases and will continue to enforce against individuals who import, sell, or traffic controlled substances disguised as vaping products,” the agency stated.
HSA urged the public to avoid unregulated vape products, which may contain harmful chemicals or controlled substances.
The Punggol Central case underscores Singapore’s growing crackdown on the illegal e-vaporiser trade, particularly those laced with controlled drugs like etomidate. As enforcement tightens under new laws, authorities are signaling a clear message — even small-scale trafficking of Kpods will be met with severe consequences.
Sources: Must Share News (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Etomidate Kpods, Drug Trafficking, Punggol Central, HSA Singapore, E-Vaporiser Offence
