SINGAPORE: A man was charged on Friday (Sep 12) for allegedly trafficking vape pods believed to contain etomidate, also known as Kpods. This follows the authorities’ first major operation against drug-laced vapes since harsher penalties came into effect earlier this month.

Tian Jiacheng, 26, was handed two charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the State Courts.

Both his charges concern incidents on Wednesday, when the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) launched an anti-drug operation and arrested eight Singaporeans across three locations.

Tian was one of those arrested during the raids. 

Tian is said to have handed over two packets containing five vape pods believed to contain etomidate to a man for the purpose of delivery while at 32 Telok Blangah Rise at about 5.50pm.

Minutes later, at the same location, he allegedly sold one packet containing five vape pods, also believed to contain etomidate.

No plea was taken from Tian, and his case has been fixed for a pre-trial conference on Oct 13.

Etomidate, an anaesthetic agent, was formerly a controlled substance under the Poisons Act. It was classified as a Class C drug from Sep 1, making it illegal to traffic, manufacture, import, export, possess or consume without authorisation.

The authorities have been stepping up enforcement against vaping and pods that contain vape juice mixed with etomidate or Kpods. 

On Wednesday, CNB officers arrested eight Singaporeans, seven men and a woman, in separate raids.

Numerous vape-related products, including more than 400 e-vaporiser pods believed to be laced with etomidate, and cash including S$20,818 (US$16,200), 498 yuan and RM5,800 were seized.

Four men, including Tian, were arrested at Telok Blangah Rise for suspected drug offences. Two men who resisted arrest were subdued by officers.

A total of 68 e-vaporiser pods believed to contain etomidate were recovered from one man, while a 28-year-old man was found with five e-vaporiser pods believed to contain etomidate. They are suspected of carrying out transactions before their arrests...