New deadly methamphetamine-etomidate vape detected by Thai lab
Thailand's Department of Medical Sciences discovered a vape pod containing a new combination of methamphetamine hydrochloride and etomidate.
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PUBLISHED ONAugust 26, 2026 9:12 AMBYLaili AbdeenThailand's Department of Medical Sciences issued a warning to e-cigarette users after detecting a combination of both methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as ice, and anesthetic etomidate in a seized vape pod.
Sarawut Boonsuk, the department's director-general, warned that inhaling the two substances together will have fatal consequences, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua.
The department's Bureau of Drug and Narcotic received a seized pod cartridge containing a clear orange liquid in June 2026, the Chinese news agency reported.
Lab analysis of the liquid revealed methamphetamine hydrochloride at 3.56 percent purity along with etomidate, an anaesthetic used in medical procedures, and already added to vape liquids sold as "K-Pods" or "zombie vapes".
Boonsuk said the department is discovering this deadly mix for the first time, reported Thai publication The Nation.
Thailand's Food and Drug Administration reclassified etomidate from a specially controlled medicine to a Category 2 psychotropic substance since July 27, 2025, after evidence emerged that it was being misused in e-cigarette liquids, according to The Nation.
The administration also warned that such use could cause unconsciousness, respiratory issues or death.
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