SINGAPORE - An alleged delivery man of vaping devices, believed to be the one who tried

fleeing

during a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) anti-vape operation, was handed six charges on July 18.

On July 14, The Straits Times had reported on the HSA operation in Bishan Street 13 that happened on July 10.

A seller who claimed he could sell Kpods had arrived in a car but tried to drive off after HSA officers had identified themselves.

The alleged seller, Jodan Chin Wei Liang, 27, is accused of selling and being in possession of e-vaporisers.

On July 18, the court heard that for Chin’s case quite a large number of Kpods were seized.

His case has been adjourned to Aug 28.

Kpods are vapes that contain vape juice mixed with potent ingredients such as etomidate or ketamine.

Used in hospitals to induce sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision and is never intended to be inhaled.

When vaped, it enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis.

It is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act, and a licence is required for its importation or sale.

Under the Act, those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.

Kpods are a cause for concern here.

Officers detaining Jodan Chin Wei Liang (in green shirt) during a sting operation targeting vaping offences at a carpark on Bishan Street 13 on July 10.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

On July 12, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint statement that

current legislation around vaping may be strengthened

following the increased detection in Singapore of electronic vaporisers containing substances such as etomidate and other controlled drugs.

They added government agencies were considering further steps to better address the vaping issue, including whether current laws for enforcement can be enhanced.

Jodan Chin Wei Liang arriving at State Courts on July 18.

ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

The ministries said within the first half of 2025 HSA had detected 28 cases where e-vaporiser pods were found to contain etomidate. This is nearly three times as many as the 10 cases detected in 2024.

ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, 

Vaping: The Invisible Crisis,

on July 13 to raise awareness about the issue here .

To report vaping offences and the sale of vaping devices to the authorities, the public can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays.

If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at

stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg

.

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