PUBLISHED ONAugust 07, 2026 5:50 AMBYSean LerThe Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 23-year-old man for his alleged involvement in trafficking etomidate vaporiser pods, also known as Kpods.
Dean Daniel Ong was arrested on July 30 after HSA officers, acting on a tip-off, raided Ong's residence in Hougang, where officers seized two vaporisers and 55 pods.
In a news release on Friday (Aug 7), HSA said that laboratory testing has since confirmed that the pods contained etomidate.
Investigations are ongoing and the case, which was mentioned again in court on Friday, has been adjourned to Sept 16.
HSA said that it takes a serious view of e-vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences.
Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers now face stiffer penalties.
If convicted, importers can be jailed for three to 20 years and receive five to 15 strokes of the cane, while sellers and distributors can be jailed for two to 10 years and receive two to five strokes of the cane.
Need support around vaping or addiction?
To report vaping offences: Contact Health Sciences Authority’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (7am to 12am daily) or https://www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
To quit vaping: Contact Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme at 1800-438-2000 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/
For more addiction or substance abuse support:
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