PUBLISHED ONSeptember 04, 2026 1:55 PMBYEsther LamFive men have been charged with allegedly trafficking etomidate vaporiser pods, also known as Kpods, into Singapore, with one man allegedly caught with more than 12,000 pods worth $870,000, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Friday (Sept 4).
This is the largest seizure of Kpods thus far, the authority said.
Lee Chiun Yong, 36, and Kalaiarasu Krishinan, 30, were charged on Aug 25 and Aug 27 respectively, while Jerome Wee Chuan Kai, 26, Tan Si Yuan, 37, and Tiong Hin Yang, 24, were charged on Aug 28.
Lee, Kalaiarasu and Tiong were linked to three separate cases, while Wee and Tan were linked to a case related to an enforcement operation in Geylang.
Lee was driving into Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint on Aug 23 and was directed for checks by ICA officers, who found three black bags containing packets of vaporiser pods in his vehicle's rear boot.
HSA officers were alerted and a total of 12,415 vaporiser pods were seized and later confirmed to contain etomidate.
On Aug 25, Kalaiarasu drove into Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint and was directed for enhanced checks by officers from ICA and the police's K-9 Unit during a joint operation.
HSA officers found a total of 3,240 vaporiser pods in two plastic bags and the items were seized.
The pods were allegedly intended for supply and both Lee and Kalaiarasu were remanded for a week each to assist with further investigations.
Lee and Kalaiarasu had their cases heard again in court on Sept 1 and Sept 3 respectively.
Both cases have been adjourned to Oct 13.
The police, Central Narcotics Bureau and HSA conducted a joint enforcement operation in Geylang on Aug 27.
Wee and Tan were found with cough syrup and pills, along with 12 and 30 vaporiser pods respectively.
Tan subsequently led officers to a condominium unit where another 171 vaporisers and 185 vaporiser pods were found.
Both men were remanded for a week to assist with further investigations. The case was heard again in court on Sept 4 and has been adjourned to Oct 12.
Acting on a tip-off, HSA officers also conducted an enforcement operation on the same day at Tiong's residence in the Bedok Reservoir area.
Two vaporisers and 53 vaporiser pods were seized, with a majority of the pods believed to be intended for sale.
Tiong was remanded for a week to assist with further investigations.
His case was heard in court on Sept 4 and has been adjourned to Oct 13.
Investigations are ongoing.
HSA said that it takes a serious view towards vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993, etomidate and its analogues are listed as specified psychoactive substances.
Importers may be jailed between three and 20 years and receive five to 15 strokes of the cane while suppliers may be jailed between two and 10 years and receive two to five strokes of the cane.
The authority added that it takes a serious stand against illegal activities involving health products such as unregistered cough syrup and medicines.
Those caught importing, manufacturing and/or supplying illegal health products may be sentenced to a jail term of up to two years and/or fined up to $50,000.
Need support around vaping or addiction?
To report vaping offences: Contact Health Sciences Authority’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (7am to 12am daily) or https://www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
To quit vaping: Contact Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme at 1800-438-2000 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/
For more addiction or substance abuse support:
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