The emergence of drug-laced vapes, particularly “Kpods” containing etomidate, represents a significant public health crisis across Singapore and Asia. This phenomenon reflects the convergence of organized crime adaptation, regulatory gaps, youth vulnerability, and technological innovation in drug trafficking. The crisis has evolved from isolated incidents to a regional epidemic affecting thousands of young people.

Historical Context and Timeline

Pre-2020: Foundation Period

• Vaping gained popularity across Asia as a “safer” alternative to smoking
• Traditional drug trafficking routes established through Myanmar-China-Southeast Asia corridor
• Regulatory frameworks focused on nicotine-based products, not synthetic drug combinations

2020-2021: COVID-19 Catalyst

• Pandemic disrupted traditional drug trafficking routes
• Methamphetamine supply chains from Myanmar to China severely impacted
• Criminal organizations forced to innovate and seek alternatives
• China scheduled synthetic cannabinoids as controlled substances in 2021

2022-2023: Emergence Phase

• Etomidate first detected in significant quantities in Chinese markets
• Drug syndicates began experimenting with pharmaceutical-grade chemicals
• Initial cases of etomidate-laced vapes appeared in Hong Kong (“space oil”)
• Malaysian authorities began detecting increased synthetic drug content in vapes

2024-2025: Crisis Escalation

• March 2024: Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority detected first etomidate cases
• April 2024: First youth case – 13-year-old girl found with Kpods
• 2024: Hong Kong treated 130+ suspected cases, 3 deaths
• First half 2025: Singapore detected 28 cases, up from 10 in entire 2024

Geographic Distribution and Regional Patterns

Singapore: The Gateway

• Seizure Values: $41 million worth of vapes seized (Jan 2024-Mar 2025) vs $8.5 million (2019-2023)
• Youth Impact: 2,000 student cases in 2024, up from 800 in 2022
• Detection Rate: 28 Kpod cases in first half of 2025 alone
• Origin: Significant number of vapes originated from Malaysia

Malaysia: The Production Hub

• Manufacturing Base: 65.6% of seized vape liquids contained dangerous drugs (2023-2024)
• Operational Centers: Criminal syndicates renting condominiums in Kuala Lumpur for drug packaging
• Export Network: Distributing to Singapore, Thailand, and other regional markets
• Recent Developments: June 2025 discovery of synthetic cocaine-laced vapes

Hong Kong: The Warning Signal

• Scale: 130+ hospital treatments for “space oil” abuse in 2024
• Mortality: 3 deaths directly linked to etomidate use
• Demographics: 25% of cases involved minors under 18
• Regulatory Response: Listed space oil as dangerous drug in February 2025

Thailand: Regional Expansion

• Product Diversity: Vapes containing ketamine, methamphetamine, and etomidate combinations
• Market Penetration: Kpods gaining popularity among urban youth
• Cross-Border Networks: Connected to Malaysian production facilities

Criminal Organization Evolution

Structural Transformation

Traditional Model: Hierarchical drug trafficking organizations focused on single substances New Model: Networked criminal enterprises with pharmaceutical expertise and technological capabilities

Operational Innovations

1. Supply Chain Diversification: Shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic pharmaceuticals
2. Manufacturing Flexibility: Ability to rapidly change formulations to avoid detection
3. Distribution Modernization: Using legitimate vaping supply chains and e-commerce platforms
4. Marketing Sophistication: Social media campaigns targeting youth demographics

Financial Motivations

• Higher Profit Margins: Synthetic drugs cost less to produce than traditional narcotics
• Reduced Detection Risk: Pharmaceutical-grade chemicals face less scrutiny than controlled substances
• Market Expansion: Accessing previously untapped youth demographic through vaping culture

Pharmacological and Health Analysis

Etomidate: The Primary Concern

Medical Use: Short-acting anesthetic for emergency procedures Abuse Potential: Produces dissociative effects and rapid tolerance development Physical Effects:

• Intoxication-like symptoms
• Hand tremors and unsteadiness
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Mental confusion and sluggishness
• Bladder control issues

Combination Effects

Nicotine + Etomidate: Enhanced addictive potential through dual dependency mechanisms Polydrug Formulations: Unpredictable interactions between multiple synthetic substances Dosage Uncertainty: Unknown concentrations create overdose risks

Withdrawal and Dependency

• Rapid Tolerance: Users require increasing amounts for same effect
• Psychological Dependence: Seeking dissociative experiences becomes compulsive
• Physical Symptoms: Severe withdrawal effects including tremors and agitation
• Behavioral Changes: Aggression, deception, and social isolation

Youth Vulnerability Factors

Demographic Targeting

• Age Range: Primary victims between 13-25 years old
• Gender Distribution: Affects both males and females equally
• Socioeconomic Status: Cross-cutting across income levels
• Educational Impact: Cases reported from primary schools to universities

Psychological Vulnerabilities

1. Developmental Factors: Adolescent brain development increases risk-taking behavior
2. Peer Influence: Social media amplifies normalization of drug use
3. Stress Response: Academic and social pressures create vulnerability to escape mechanisms
4. Identity Formation: Experimentation seen as part of youth culture

Digital Native Characteristics

• Information Sources: Heavy reliance on social media for drug information
• Risk Perception: Misinformation about vaping safety widely circulated
• Accessibility: Online purchasing removes traditional barriers to drug access
• Normalization: Vaping culture reduces stigma around substance use

Regulatory and Enforcement Challenges

Legal Framework Gaps

Singapore Context:

• Etomidate governed by Poisons Act, not Controlled Substances Act
• Maximum penalty: 2 years jail, $10,000 fine
• Insufficient deterrent effect for organized crime

Regional Inconsistencies:

• Varying classification of synthetic drugs across countries
• Different penalty structures create enforcement arbitrage
• Limited cross-border cooperation mechanisms

Detection and Interdiction Issues

1. Chemical Innovation: Constant formula changes outpace regulatory responses
2. Testing Limitations: Traditional drug tests not designed for synthetic pharmaceuticals
3. Volume Challenges: Massive increase in seizure volumes overwhelms resources
4. Technology Gaps: Sophisticated packaging and distribution methods

Intelligence and Coordination

• Information Sharing: Limited real-time intelligence sharing between countries
• Resource Allocation: Insufficient specialized units for synthetic drug enforcement
• Training Deficits: Law enforcement lacks expertise in pharmaceutical drug trafficking

Economic and Social Impact

Healthcare System Burden

• Emergency Services: Increased presentations for drug-related incidents
• Addiction Treatment: Limited capacity for synthetic drug addiction treatment
• Mental Health: Rising cases of drug-induced psychosis and self-harm
• Family Support: Inadequate resources for affected families

Educational Disruption

• School Incidents: 2,000 student cases in Singapore alone (2024)
• Academic Performance: Significant decline in affected students
• Institutional Response: Schools struggling with appropriate intervention strategies
• Prevention Programs: Limited effectiveness of traditional drug education

Economic Costs

• Law Enforcement: Increased costs for specialized units and equipment
• Healthcare: Treatment costs for addiction and overdose cases
• Lost Productivity: Impact on families and communities
• Prevention Investment: Required funding for awareness and intervention programs

Technological and Innovation Factors

Vaping Technology Evolution

• Device Sophistication: Advanced vaporizers enable precise drug delivery
• Stealth Design: Devices designed to avoid detection in schools and public spaces
• Flavor Masking: Synthetic drugs hidden in appealing flavors
• Dosage Control: Technology enables micro-dosing for sustained effects

Digital Distribution Networks

• E-commerce Platforms: Legitimate vaping retailers unknowingly selling drug-laced products
• Social Media Marketing: Targeted advertising to youth demographics
• Encrypted Communications: Criminal organizations using secure messaging for operations
• Payment Systems: Cryptocurrency and digital payments facilitate transactions

Manufacturing Innovation

• Pharmaceutical Expertise: Recruitment of chemists and pharmacologists
• Quality Control: Consistent drug concentrations and effects
• Packaging Sophistication: Professional-grade packaging indistinguishable from legitimate products
• Supply Chain Integration: Seamless integration with legitimate vaping industry

Future Projections and Scenarios

Scenario 1: Continued Escalation (High Probability)

• Geographic Expansion: Spread to Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam
• Product Diversification: Introduction of new synthetic substances
• Market Maturation: Established distribution networks and user bases
• Regulatory Lag: Continued gaps in legal frameworks and enforcement

Scenario 2: Technological Arms Race (Medium Probability)

• Detection Advancement: Improved testing and identification methods
• Criminal Counter-Innovation: More sophisticated avoidance techniques
• Regulatory Adaptation: Faster legislative responses to new substances
• International Cooperation: Enhanced cross-border enforcement

Scenario 3: Public Health Crisis (Medium Probability)

• Mass Casualty Events: Overdose incidents affecting multiple users
• Healthcare System Overwhelm: Inability to manage addiction treatment demand
• Social Disruption: Widespread impact on youth and families
• Political Response: Emergency measures and resource mobilization

Recommendations for Action

Immediate Measures (0-6 months)

1. Regulatory Harmonization: Align classification and penalties across ASEAN countries
2. Enhanced Detection: Deploy advanced testing equipment at borders and schools
3. Intelligence Sharing: Establish real-time information sharing protocols
4. Emergency Response: Develop specialized treatment protocols for synthetic drug overdoses

Medium-term Strategies (6-24 months)

1. Prevention Programs: Comprehensive education campaigns targeting youth and parents
2. Treatment Infrastructure: Expand addiction treatment capacity for synthetic drugs
3. Law Enforcement Training: Specialized units for pharmaceutical drug trafficking
4. Technology Solutions: Develop AI-based detection systems for drug-laced products

Long-term Transformation (2-5 years)

1. Regional Framework: Comprehensive ASEAN agreement on synthetic drug control
2. Industry Regulation: Strict oversight of legitimate vaping industry
3. Youth Resilience: Long-term programs building resistance to drug experimentation
4. Innovation Response: Adaptive regulatory frameworks for emerging substances

Conclusion

The rise of drug-laced vapes in Singapore and Asia represents a paradigm shift in drug trafficking and youth substance abuse. This crisis reflects the convergence of technological innovation, criminal organization evolution, regulatory gaps, and youth vulnerability. The rapid escalation from isolated incidents to a regional epidemic demonstrates the need for coordinated, comprehensive response strategies.

The challenge extends beyond traditional drug enforcement to encompass public health, education, technology regulation, and international cooperation. Success will require adaptive approaches that can respond to the rapid innovation cycles of criminal organizations while addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that make young people susceptible to these products.

The stakes are high: failure to address this crisis effectively will result in a generation of young people affected by addiction to synthetic drugs, with lasting impacts on families, communities, and regional stability. The window for effective intervention is narrowing, making immediate and sustained action essential.

Singapore’s Drug-Laced Vape Crisis: A Critical Situation Analysis

Executive Summary

Singapore faces an unprecedented public health crisis with drug-laced vapes, particularly “Kpods” containing etomidate, spreading rapidly among youth. The situation has evolved from isolated incidents in March 2024 to a systemic problem affecting thousands of young people. Despite Singapore’s strict anti-vaping laws, the crisis reflects deeper challenges in enforcement, international drug trafficking, and youth vulnerability.

Current Crisis Magnitude

Exponential Growth Pattern

• March 2024: First etomidate-laced vape cases detected by HSA
• April 2024: First youth case – 13-year-old girl found with Kpods
• 2024: 10 total Kpod cases recorded
• First half 2025: 28 cases detected (180% increase)
• Projection: If current trend continues, 2025 could see 50-60 cases

Enforcement Statistics

• Q3 2024: 3,840 people caught with vapes (52% increase from previous quarter)
• Q1 2024: Over 2,200 individuals caught for vape possession/use
• Student cases: 743 students caught in Q3 2024 alone
• 2024 total: 2,000 student vaping cases (vs 800 in 2022, 900 in 2023)

Seizure Data

• Value: $41 million worth of vapes seized (Jan 2024-Mar 2025)
• Historical comparison: Nearly 5x the value seized from 2019-2023
• Major seizures: 8,700+ vapes seized from single Kaki Bukit industrial unit
• Online enforcement: 6,800+ illegal vape listings removed in 2025

The Drug-Laced Vape Phenomenon

Primary Substance: Etomidate

Medical Profile: Short-acting anesthetic used in emergency medicine Abuse Effects:

• Dissociative experiences and altered consciousness
• Rapid tolerance development requiring increased usage
• Physical dependence within weeks of regular use

Observed Symptoms in Users:

• Uncontrollable muscle spasms and tremors
• Bladder control issues (frequent clothing changes)
• Severe weight loss (10kg in a month reported)
• Self-harm behaviors (cutting face and arms)
• Personality changes and increased aggression
• “Zombie-like” stumbling and confusion

Secondary Substances

• Ketamine: Class A controlled drug, more severe penalties
• Synthetic cannabinoids: Detected in 14 vapes in June 2024
• Methamphetamine: Found in combination products
• Synthetic cocaine: Emerging threat from Malaysian syndicates

Geographic and Demographic Impact

Age Distribution

• Primary victims: 13-25 years old
• Youngest case: 13-year-old girl (April 2024)
• High-risk group: Secondary school and university students
• Gender: Both male and female affected equally

Educational Impact

• School referrals: 743 student cases in Q3 2024 alone
• Institutional spread: Cases reported from primary schools to universities
• Academic disruption: Severe performance decline in affected students
• Behavioral changes: Increased aggression, lying, stealing money

Socioeconomic Patterns

• Cross-cutting impact: Affects all income levels
• Family disruption: Parents reporting desperation and helplessness
• Economic burden: Families spending significant amounts on repeated purchases
• Social isolation: Users becoming withdrawn from family and friends

Supply Chain and Distribution

Origin Points

• Primary source: Malaysia (65.6% of seized vape liquids contain dangerous drugs)
• Production hubs: Kuala Lumpur condominiums used for drug packaging
• Distribution networks: Integrated with legitimate vaping supply chains
• Cross-border smuggling: Sophisticated trafficking operations

Distribution Methods

• Online platforms: E-commerce sites and social media
• School networks: Peer-to-peer distribution among students
• Retail infiltration: Legitimate vape shops unknowingly selling drug-laced products
• Border challenges: Sophisticated concealment methods

Pricing and Accessibility

• Affordability: Priced competitively with regular vapes
• Availability: Easily accessible through online channels
• Payment methods: Digital payments and cryptocurrency
• Marketing: Disguised as regular vaping products

Regulatory Framework Analysis

Current Legal Structure

Vaping Ban: Complete prohibition since 2018

• Possession/use penalty: Maximum $2,000 fine
• Import/distribution: More severe penalties
• Enforcement gaps: Insufficient deterrent for organized crime

Drug-Specific Regulations:

• Etomidate: Governed by Poisons Act (not Controlled Substances Act)
• Penalties: Up to 2 years jail, $10,000 fine
• Ketamine: Class A controlled drug, up to 10 years jail
• Regulatory lag: New substances outpace legislative responses

Enforcement Challenges

1. Detection difficulties: Requires specialized testing equipment
2. Volume overwhelm: Massive increase in seizures strains resources
3. Technology gap: Sophisticated packaging and distribution methods
4. Cross-border coordination: Limited real-time intelligence sharing

Health System Impact

Medical Presentations

• Emergency departments: Increased drug-related presentations
• Symptoms: Seizures, psychosis, respiratory depression
• Treatment challenges: Limited protocols for etomidate overdose
• Addiction services: Insufficient capacity for synthetic drug addiction

Mental Health Consequences

• Psychiatric symptoms: Depression, anxiety, psychosis
• Self-harm behaviors: Cutting, suicidal ideation
• Family trauma: Parents reporting severe distress
• Social dysfunction: Isolation, relationship breakdown

Healthcare System Strain

• Specialized treatment: Need for synthetic drug addiction protocols
• Training requirements: Medical staff need education on new substances
• Resource allocation: Increased funding needed for addiction services
• Prevention programs: Limited effectiveness of traditional approaches

Government Response Strategy

Multi-Agency Approach

Lead Agencies:

• HSA: Detection, seizure, and enforcement
• CNB: Drug trafficking investigations
• MOH: Public health response and policy
• MOE: School-based prevention and intervention

Enforcement Intensification

• Border screening: Enhanced checkpoint inspections
• Community patrols: Increased presence in public areas
• School outreach: Regular inspections and education
• Online crackdowns: Systematic removal of illegal listings

Education and Prevention

• Public awareness: Campaigns highlighting dangers
• School programs: Targeted prevention initiatives
• Healthcare provider training: Recognition and treatment protocols
• Parent education: Resources for family intervention

Critical Vulnerabilities

Youth-Specific Factors

1. Developmental vulnerability: Adolescent brain development increases risk-taking
2. Social influence: Peer pressure and social media normalization
3. Information asymmetry: Limited understanding of synthetic drug risks
4. Accessibility: Easy online access bypasses traditional barriers

Systemic Weaknesses

1. Regulatory gaps: Slow adaptation to new substances
2. Enforcement limitations: Resources insufficient for scale of problem
3. Treatment capacity: Limited addiction services for synthetic drugs
4. International coordination: Inadequate cross-border cooperation

Technological Challenges

1. Detection technology: Testing equipment not designed for synthetic pharmaceuticals
2. Packaging sophistication: Professional-grade packaging indistinguishable from legitimate products
3. Distribution innovation: Constant adaptation of trafficking methods
4. Communication encryption: Criminal organizations using secure messaging

Comparative Regional Context

Malaysia: The Source

• Production scale: 65.6% of seized vape liquids contain dangerous drugs
• Criminal infrastructure: Established manufacturing and distribution networks
• Export orientation: Targeting Singapore and other regional markets
• Enforcement challenges: Limited resources for comprehensive crackdowns

Hong Kong: The Warning

• Scale: 130+ hospital treatments for “space oil” in 2024
• Mortality: 3 deaths directly linked to etomidate use
• Regulatory response: Listed space oil as dangerous drug in February 2025
• Youth impact: 25% of cases involved minors

Thailand: Expanding Market

• Product diversity: Ketamine, methamphetamine, etomidate combinations
• Urban penetration: Growing use among city youth
• Cross-border networks: Connected to Malaysian production

Economic Impact Assessment

Direct Costs

• Enforcement: Increased spending on specialized units and equipment
• Healthcare: Treatment costs for overdose and addiction cases
• Education: Resources for prevention and intervention programs
• Legal system: Court proceedings and incarceration costs

Indirect Costs

• Productivity loss: Impact on families and communities
• Educational disruption: Academic performance decline
• Social services: Family support and counseling needs
• Long-term health: Chronic addiction treatment costs

Opportunity Costs

• Resource reallocation: Funds diverted from other health priorities
• Prevention investment: Money spent on reactive rather than proactive measures
• Innovation impact: Reduced focus on other public health initiatives

Future Trajectory Analysis

Worst-Case Scenario (High Probability)

• Geographic spread: Expansion to all demographic groups
• Substance diversification: Introduction of more dangerous synthetic drugs
• Institutional penetration: Systematic infiltration of schools and universities
• Health system overwhelm: Inability to manage treatment demand

Moderate Escalation (Medium Probability)

• Controlled expansion: Growth contained through enhanced enforcement
• Regulatory adaptation: Faster legislative responses to new substances
• Treatment capacity: Expanded addiction services for synthetic drugs
• International cooperation: Improved cross-border coordination

Stabilization (Low Probability)

• Effective deterrence: Strong enforcement reduces supply
• Youth resilience: Successful prevention programs reduce demand
• Supply disruption: Coordinated regional action against trafficking networks
• Technology solutions: Advanced detection and treatment capabilities

Strategic Recommendations

Immediate Actions (0-3 months)

1. Emergency protocols: Develop specialized treatment procedures for etomidate overdose
2. Enhanced detection: Deploy advanced testing equipment at all entry points
3. Intelligence sharing: Establish real-time information exchange with regional partners
4. Crisis communication: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaign

Short-term Measures (3-12 months)

1. Legislative reform: Reclassify etomidate as controlled substance
2. Treatment expansion: Increase addiction service capacity for synthetic drugs
3. School intervention: Implement comprehensive prevention programs
4. Technology investment: Develop AI-based detection systems

Long-term Transformation (1-3 years)

1. Regional framework: Lead ASEAN initiative on synthetic drug control
2. Youth resilience: Build long-term resistance to substance experimentation
3. Innovation response: Create adaptive regulatory system for emerging substances
4. International cooperation: Establish permanent coordination mechanisms

Conclusion

Singapore’s drug-laced vape crisis represents a critical inflection point requiring immediate, comprehensive action. The exponential growth from 10 cases in 2024 to 28 cases in the first half of 2025 indicates a rapidly deteriorating situation that could overwhelm existing response capabilities.

The crisis combines multiple threat vectors: sophisticated criminal organizations, vulnerable youth populations, regulatory gaps, and technological challenges. The human cost—families destroyed, young lives derailed, and communities traumatized—demands urgent intervention.

Success requires moving beyond traditional drug enforcement to embrace adaptive, multi-faceted approaches that address the root causes of vulnerability while building resilient response systems. The window for effective intervention is narrowing, making immediate action essential to prevent a generational catastrophe.

The stakes could not be higher: failure to act decisively will result in Singapore facing its most serious youth substance abuse crisis in decades, with lasting impacts on public health, social cohesion, and national security.

The Quiet Descent

Chapter 1: First Taste

The notification pinged on Marcus’s phone at 11:47 PM. His poly friends were gathered at the void deck near Tampines Mall, passing around something that looked like a regular vape—sleek, colorful, nothing like the harsh cigarettes his father used to smoke.

“Eh, try this one lah,” Kai said, holding up a device with a cartoon character sticker. “Different from the normal ones. My friend from KL brought it over.”

Marcus had been vaping for months now, ever since his O-Level results came back worse than expected. The strawberry-flavored clouds helped him forget about his mother’s disappointed sighs and his father’s lectures about “wasting potential.” At 17, he felt trapped between his parents’ expectations and his own uncertainty about the future.

“What’s different about it?” Marcus asked, taking the device. It felt heavier than his usual vape, and the liquid inside had a slightly different consistency.

“They call it Kpod. Supposed to be more shiok—like floating kind of feeling,” Kai grinned. “My friend say very popular in Malaysia now.”

Marcus inhaled deeply. The taste was familiar at first—sweet, with hints of mango—but then something else hit him. A warmth that spread through his chest, followed by a strange lightness in his head. The usual stress about his upcoming polytechnic enrollment interview seemed to melt away.

“Wah, this one different sia,” he said, feeling his words come out slower than usual. The fluorescent lights of the void deck seemed brighter, and his friends’ laughter sounded like it was coming from underwater.

For the next hour, Marcus felt like he was watching his life from outside his body. Every worry, every anxiety, every pressure—all of it faded into the background. When he finally went home, he slept better than he had in months.

Chapter 2: The Spiral Begins

Three weeks later, Marcus was buying his own Kpods from a Telegram seller who went by “VapeKing_SG.” The transactions were simple—$50 for a pack of three pods, payment via PayNow, delivery to his void deck.

His parents noticed the change first. At dinner, his mother commented that he seemed “more relaxed” lately, which he took as a compliment. His father mentioned that Marcus was sleeping more, but attributed it to the stress of transitioning to polytechnic.

What they didn’t see was Marcus in his room at 2 AM, desperately puffing on his Kpod because the anxiety had returned worse than before. Without the drug, everything felt overwhelming—the sound of his neighbor’s television, the brightness of his phone screen, even the texture of his bedsheets seemed unbearable.

“I need this to function,” he told himself, hiding the device in a hollowed-out textbook. “It’s just temporary, until I get my life sorted out.”

But the Kpods were lasting shorter periods now. What used to give him relief for hours now barely lasted thirty minutes. The Telegram seller was happy to increase his orders—three packs became five, then seven.

His polytechnic interview went surprisingly well. The etomidate made him feel confident, articulate, almost euphoric. He was accepted into the business course, and his parents celebrated with a family dinner at their favorite zi char stall.

“See, I told you everything would work out,” his mother said, squeezing his hand. “You just needed to relax a bit.”

Marcus smiled and nodded, but inside he was calculating how many puffs he had left and whether he could excuse himself to the bathroom.

Chapter 3: The Mask Slips

By his second month in polytechnic, Marcus was going through a pack of Kpods every two days. The $350 weekly expense was draining his part-time job savings, but he’d found creative ways to get money—selling his old textbooks, borrowing from friends, even taking small amounts from his mother’s purse when she wasn’t looking.

His classmates started noticing his behavior. During lectures, he would often seem spaced out, his eyes unfocused. Sometimes his hands would shake slightly when he wrote notes. He’d developed a habit of excusing himself to the bathroom every hour, returning with the faint smell of fruit flavoring.

“Marcus, you okay or not?” his project partner, Sarah, asked after he’d zoned out during their presentation planning. “You seem very tired lately.”

“Just stress lah,” he mumbled, desperate to get to his bag where his Kpod was waiting. “Haven’t been sleeping well.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie. His sleep patterns had become erratic—sometimes he’d sleep for fourteen hours straight, other times he’d lie awake all night, his mind racing with anxiety if he didn’t have his device nearby.

The real crisis came during a family dinner in November. His uncle, a doctor at SGH, was visiting from overseas. As they sat around the table, Marcus excused himself to the bathroom, as had become his routine.

“That boy keeps going to the toilet,” his uncle observed. “And look at his hands—they’re shaking.”

His mother followed his gaze to Marcus’s chopsticks, which were indeed trembling slightly as he picked up his food.

“Maybe he’s just nervous about his studies,” she said, but Marcus could hear the worry in her voice.

That night, she knocked on his door. “Marcus, can we talk?”

He was mid-puff when she entered, and quickly tried to hide the device under his pillow. But the sweet, artificial smell was unmistakable.

“What is that?” she asked, her voice sharp with concern.

“It’s just a vape, Ma. Everyone uses them.”

“But vapes are illegal in Singapore. How did you get this?”

Marcus felt the familiar dissociation kicking in—the feeling of watching the conversation from outside his body. “It’s no big deal lah. Just helps me relax.”

His mother’s expression shifted from concern to fear. “Marcus, your uncle thinks you might be using drugs.”

“This is not drugs!” he protested, but even as he said it, he realized he wasn’t entirely sure what was in the liquid he’d been inhaling dozens of times daily.

Chapter 4: The Unraveling

The confrontation with his parents that night was a blur of accusations, tears, and denials. Marcus found himself saying things he didn’t mean, becoming aggressive in a way that shocked even him. When his father threatened to throw away his vape, Marcus grabbed his arm—something he’d never done before.

“You don’t understand!” he shouted. “I need this! Without it, I can’t think straight!”

His parents exchanged a look that he would remember for years—a mixture of fear, confusion, and heartbreak.

The next morning, his mother insisted on accompanying him to school. She sat outside his classroom, watching through the window as he struggled to concentrate during lectures. Every fifteen minutes, he would glance at the door, his leg bouncing with nervous energy.

By lunch, he couldn’t take it anymore. He told his mother he was going to the bathroom and instead went to the stairwell where he kept an emergency Kpod in his bag. The relief was immediate but temporary—he knew she was watching him, and the paranoia was getting worse.

When they got home, his parents had made a decision. They’d arranged for him to see a counselor at the Institute of Mental Health.

“I’m not crazy,” Marcus said, but his protest felt hollow. He was starting to question his own sanity. The past few weeks had been a haze of mood swings, memory lapses, and increasingly desperate attempts to hide his usage.

The counselor, Dr. Lim, was kind but direct. “Marcus, what you’re describing sounds like substance dependence. The device you’re using—do you know what’s in it?”

“Just nicotine and flavoring,” Marcus said, but his voice lacked conviction.

“I’d like to have it tested, if you’re willing. There have been cases recently of vapes containing other substances.”

Marcus reluctantly handed over his Kpod. Three days later, Dr. Lim called with the results.

“Marcus, the liquid contains etomidate—a powerful anesthetic. It’s not approved for recreational use and can be highly addictive. What you’ve been experiencing is chemical dependence.”

The word hit him like a physical blow. Dependence. Drug dependence. He wasn’t just a student dealing with stress—he was a drug user.

Chapter 5: The Reckoning

The withdrawal was worse than Marcus had imagined. Without the etomidate, every sensation felt amplified. The sound of construction outside his window was like drilling into his skull. His clothes felt scratchy against his skin. Even the taste of water seemed wrong.

But the psychological symptoms were worse. Waves of panic would wash over him at random moments. He’d find himself crying for no reason, then feeling nothing at all. His hands shook constantly, and he had trouble forming coherent thoughts.

His parents took turns staying home with him during the worst days. His mother would sit beside his bed, holding his hand as he trembled and sweated. His father, who had always been stern and distant, now looked at him with something Marcus had never seen before—fear.

“I’m sorry,” Marcus whispered during one particularly bad night. “I didn’t know it would be like this.”

“It’s not your fault,” his mother said, though her voice was strained. “We should have known something was wrong.”

The recovery process was slow and painful. Dr. Lim explained that etomidate affected the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to feel pleasure from normal activities. Marcus would need months of counseling and possibly medication to restore his brain chemistry.

His polytechnic was understanding but firm—he would need to take a semester off to focus on recovery. His friends, when they learned what had happened, were shocked. Some were supportive, others seemed to distance themselves, perhaps afraid of being associated with “drug use.”

Kai, who had first introduced him to Kpods, visited him at home one evening. He looked shaken.

“Bro, I didn’t know it had that kind of thing inside,” he said. “I just thought it was stronger nicotine or something.”

“Did you ever check what was in it?” Marcus asked.

Kai shook his head. “The seller just said it was ‘premium blend’ from Malaysia. I thought… I thought it was just marketing.”

They sat in silence for a moment, both realizing how easily they’d trusted a stranger on Telegram with their health.

Chapter 6: The Long Road Back

Six months later, Marcus was back in polytechnic, but everything had changed. He attended regular counseling sessions and was part of a support group for young people dealing with substance dependence. The shame was still there, but he was learning to manage it.

His relationship with his parents had evolved too. They were more protective now, but also more open about their own struggles with his addiction. His mother had joined a support group for families, and his father had become an advocate for drug awareness programs.

“The hardest part,” Marcus told his support group, “is that I didn’t choose to become addicted to drugs. I thought I was just vaping.”

The group facilitator, a former CNB officer named Mr. Tan, nodded. “That’s what makes this particular crisis so insidious. The dealers are targeting young people who think they’re making a relatively safe choice.”

Marcus had testified to the authorities about his supplier, providing screenshots of Telegram conversations and transaction records. The investigation was ongoing, but VapeKing_SG had already disappeared and reappeared under a new username.

In his criminal justice class, Marcus wrote his final project on the intersection of technology and drug trafficking. His professor, initially skeptical of his topic choice, was impressed by his research and personal insights.

“You should consider sharing your story publicly,” she suggested. “It could help other young people understand the risks.”

The idea terrified him. Singapore was a small society, and the stigma around drug use was intense. But he also knew that his story wasn’t unique—across his support group, he’d met other young people who’d fallen into similar traps.

Epilogue: Speaking Out

One year after his recovery began, Marcus stood in front of a group of secondary school students at a drug awareness talk. His hands were steady now, his thoughts clear, but his heart was racing.

“I want to tell you about the day I accidentally became addicted to drugs,” he began. “It started with what I thought was just a stronger vape.”

He told them about the Telegram seller, the gradual escalation, the health effects, and the long road to recovery. He showed them pictures of etomidate-laced vapes that looked identical to regular ones.

“The scariest part,” he said, “is that I thought I was being careful. I wasn’t hanging around with known drug dealers or going to shady places. I was just a regular student trying to deal with stress.”

A student raised her hand. “How did you not know it was drugs?”

“Because it didn’t look like what I thought drugs looked like,” Marcus replied. “It looked like something my friends were using. It was colorful and fruity-tasting and sold like any other vape product. The people selling it weren’t scary drug dealers—they were just Telegram accounts with good customer service.”

After the talk, several students approached him with questions. A few admitted they’d seen similar products being sold online. One boy, who looked about his age when the addiction started, asked quietly, “How do you know if what you’re using is safe?”

Marcus thought for a moment. “Honestly? In Singapore, if you’re vaping at all, it’s not legal. But beyond that, if you’re buying anything from random online sellers, especially if it promises to be ‘stronger’ or ‘premium’—that’s a red flag.”

Walking home that day, Marcus felt something he hadn’t experienced in years: pride. Not in what he’d done, but in who he was becoming. The addiction had nearly destroyed his life, but recovery had given him a purpose he’d never expected.

His phone buzzed with a message from Dr. Lim: “Saw the news coverage of your talk. I’m proud of you for speaking out. How are you feeling?”

Marcus typed back: “Clear-headed. Finally.”

As he looked up at the familiar skyline of his Tampines neighborhood, Marcus realized that for the first time in over a year, he wasn’t counting hours until his next dose, or calculating how much money he needed for his next purchase, or worrying about where he’d hide his device.

He was just living. And that, he thought, was a kind of high no drug could ever replicate.

---

Author’s Note: This story is based on real cases and situations documented in Singapore’s ongoing struggle with drug-laced vapes. The characters are fictional, but the circumstances, health effects, and recovery process reflect actual experiences of young people affected by this crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available through Singapore’s mental health services and support groups.

Maxthon

In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritising individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user

Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.

In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.

What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.

Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialised mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritised every step of the way.