Business Enquiries: https://www.business.thebluecats.com.sg/ The Blue Cats' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singaporethebluecats/ Recently, footage of several youths in Punggol walking like "zombies" at 1am went viral, leading to public concern. It was rumoured that the teenagers had consumed "kpods," or "zombie vapes": illegal vape products laced with a powerful anesthetic called etomidate. These substances can cause erratic and dangerous behaviour, and the rising number of cases is alarming. While only 10 cases were detected in 2024, there have already been 28 in just the first half of 2025, with tragic stories emerging, including a 19-year-old who died and others who injured themselves or attempted suicide after using kpods. Kpods are especially dangerous because users may not even know what chemicals are inside the vape juice. Etomidate, for example, is typically used in hospitals to sedate patients, but when misused, it can cause severe psychological effects and loss of control. This is why users may behave like zombies or even harm themselves without being aware of it. Unlike regular cigarettes, which cause long-term harm, kpods can have immediate, life-threatening effects. The issue is compounded by legal loopholes. Although vaping itself is illegal in Singapore, the chemicals in kpods like etomidate aren’t classified as controlled drugs. This means offenders don’t face the same harsh penalties as drug traffickers. In response, the government is considering tightening laws and has intensified efforts to crack down on illegal vapes by targeting online activity, supply chains, and known hotspots. Experts are also calling for more regulation, though banning substances like etomidate outright isn’t simple due to their legitimate medical use. This growing concern isn’t unique to Singapore; similar problems have been seen in places like Hong Kong (where it’s called “Space Oil”) and Malaysia. Authorities believe criminal syndicates are targeting the region with these harmful products, especially after disruptions to traditional drug networks.