Jerome, a 25-year-old customer service worker in Singapore, spent approximately $4,000 in just two weeks on Kpods—e-vaporisers filled with etomidate—after being introduced to them by a friend following a drinking session in November 2025. His habit came to an abrupt halt in December 2025 during a private-hire car ride when the driver reported him to the police for vaping in the back seat, leading to a $700 fine, the seizure of his devices, and a mandatory rehabilitation order.
Etomidate, a substance designed to be injected intravenously under clinical supervision to sedate patients during medical procedures, is never intended to be inhaled and is classified as a specified psychoactive substance under the TVCA.
Enforcement and Penalties Under the TVCA
Tougher regulatory penalties targeting vapes took effect on Sept 1, 2025. According to the regulations, first-time etomidate abusers under 18 faced a $500 fine, while adults were fined $700 alongside mandatory rehabilitation lasting up to six months. Penalties increased further on May 1, 2026, setting the maximum fine for general vaping offences at $10,000 under the TVCA. Individuals convicted of using Kpods face severe consequences, including fines up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Additionally, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) holds the legal power to mandate rehabilitation for vape and Kpod users.
Between Sept 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, authorities placed 520 offenders on mandatory rehabilitation programmes. Kpod abusers and recalcitrant vapers who fail to attend or complete their assigned programmes face prosecution in court.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Journey
Following his apprehension in December 2025, Jerome completed a three-month counselling programme overseen by Seah Kek Koon, a senior social worker at Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities. Seah noted that Jerome demonstrated a strong determination to stop vaping from the beginning of the counselling sessions. Seah provided practical steps to help Jerome break the habit, such as pursuing his passion for cooking and avoiding peers who might pressure him back into vaping.
Reflecting on his addiction, Jerome stated that the drug acted like a tranquiliser, causing him to lose 8kg due to a severely suppressed appetite. Although initially surprised by the mandatory rehabilitation requirement rather than just paying a fine, Jerome expressed gratitude toward the private-hire car driver who reported him, acknowledging that he might otherwise still be trapped in his addiction.
Did You Know? Etomidate is a medical sedative used in hospitals to put patients to sleep during procedures, but it was never intended to be inhaled as a psychoactive substance via e-vaporiser pods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kpods?
Kpods are e-vaporisers filled with etomidate, a powerful medical sedative that is classified as a specified psychoactive substance under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA).
What penalties do offenders face for using Kpods in Singapore?
Under the TVCA, individuals convicted of using Kpods can face fines of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Offenders are also subject to mandatory rehabilitation ordered by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
How many offenders were placed on rehabilitation programmes initially?
Between Sept 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, a total of 520 offenders were placed on mandatory rehabilitation programmes.
What steps do you think can be taken to better educate young adults about the dangers of psychoactive substances hidden in vape pods?
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