Man, 41, charged for alleged trafficking of Kpods
He was caught making transactions with two other persons in Bukit Batok on Sept 13
The pods seized by HSA officers, which were later found to contain etomidate.
PHOTO: Health Sciences Authority
PUBLISHED ONSeptember 22, 2026 6:25 AMBYSean LerA 41-year-old man was charged with trafficking etomidate vaporiser pods, or Kpods, on Sept 15.
Ho Joo Hong was caught during transactions with two other individuals at a staircase landing of an HDB block in Bukit Batok on Sept 13, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Tuesday (Sept 22).
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered 24 vaporisers and 19 pods, HSA added.
The pods, which were purportedly for sale, were later found to contain etomidate following tests.
Ho, who was remanded for a week after he was charged on Sept 15, had his case mentioned in court again on Tuesday. His case will be heard again on Nov 3.
Meanwhile, the two other individuals are assisting with ongoing investigations.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporises Control Act (TVCA), etomidate and its analogues are listed as Specified Psychoactive Substances in the Schedule.
Upon conviction, importers face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and up to 15 strokes of the cane, while suppliers could be jailed up to 10 years and receive up to five strokes of the cane.
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