S’porean man, 18, found with 127 vape pods in vehicle, charged with trafficking of suspected Kpods

An 18-year-old man, Kwek Rui An Rayern, was charged in court on Oct. 17 for allegedly trafficking suspected etomidate e-vaporiser pods, also known as Kpods.

According to a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) news release on Oct. 16, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) detected suspected etomidate e-vaporiser pods (Kpods) in Kwek’s vehicle, and the case was subsequently referred to HSA.

A total of two e-vaporisers and 127 suspected etomidate e-vaporiser pods were seized from Kwek's vehicle, along with another five pods from his residence in Bedok.

The seized pods are currently being tested for etomidate.

HSA stated that investigations are ongoing, and the case has been adjourned to Oct. 24.

Stiffer penalties for vape-related offences

HSA emphasised that it takes a serious view of vape and etomidate trafficking offences, noting that recent amendments have introduced tougher penalties for offenders.

Under the current laws, importers will face three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane, while sellers and distributors will face two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane.

Top photo via Unsplash