How “Kpods” are making the vape problem much worse

- julio 12, 2025

July 13, 2025

Dear readers,

As most know, e-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore. Authorities here are clamping down on a growing vape problem, but it seems an even bigger menace is taking shape.

Enter the world of "Kpods".

These days, sellers lurking on secret Telegram channels and other online forums are offering these e-vaporisers containing vape juice laced with etomidate, a medical anesthetic classified as a poison, and other illegal substances.

To make a bad situation exponentially worse, there is no way users can tell what substances might be in a "Kpod", opening themselves up to the risk of exposure to various unknown compounds.

As a result, an increasing number of youths are becoming addicted to "Kpods", which experts say can be lethal. Even a single use can cause fatal harm or long-term health consequences.

On top of that, sellers are exploiting regulatory loopholes to market these illegal wares.

All of these factors make the rise of "Kpods" an alarming trend that deserves urgent attention, experts say.

CNA TODAY takes a closer look in this week's Big Read at what makes "Kpods" such an insidious threat and what can be done to arrest the problem.

Yours faithfully,

Yasmine Yahya

Deputy Chief Editor, CNA Digital (TODAY, Lifestyle & Luxury)

Laced and lethal: How 'Kpods' are hooking youths and exploiting legal grey areas