Singapore man charged for allegedly making drug-laced vapes at home in first local case

SINGAPORE: A 41-year-old man who allegedly manufactured drug-laced electronic vaporisers in his Yishun flat has been charged in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in Singapore. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was charged in court on Thursday (17 July) with five offences under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. He had previously faced two charges under the Poisons Act for possessing and selling etomidate, a classified poison that has increasingly been detected in illegal vapes. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said Akil had been producing e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate at home with the intent to sell them.

Vapes and Chemicals Seized in Yishun Flat

On 11 December 2024, authorities raided a flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22 and uncovered a large cache of vaping equipment and components. The haul included 569 empty pod casings, 534 pod components, 1,485 pod covers, 100 loose vape pods, and other related items used to assemble the drug-laced devices, known as “Kpods”. Later that night, shortly after midnight, Akil allegedly sold 100 pods outside the same flat. Each pod contained 150ml of liquid, which tests later confirmed was laced with etomidate—an anaesthetic agent typically used in clinical settings. At around 5.30am on the same day, Akil was also allegedly found in possession of 26.4g of white powder containing the same substance.

Accused to Plead Guilty

Appearing in court via video link, Akil informed the judge that he understood the charges and intended to plead guilty to all of them. He declined legal representation, stating: “I don’t want to waste the court’s time.” He has been in remand since 20 June. A prosecutor from the HSA told the court that a plea bargain would be offered. Akil is expected to enter his plea on 23 July. He also faces a separate charge under the Passports Act. On 20 January, while applying for a new passport, Akil allegedly told the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) that he had left a bag containing his passport and NRIC at a coffee shop. Investigations later revealed the statement was false.

Authorities Mulling Stricter Vaping Regulations

In a written parliamentary reply on 8 January, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that a licence is required for the import and sale of etomidate, which is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. The HSA said it takes a “serious view” of the illegal sale and misuse of etomidate and warned that “stern actions” would be taken against offenders. MOH, HSA, and other enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to clamp down on illegal vaporisers. In light of the growing prevalence of drug-laced Kpods, authorities are said to be considering tightening regulations on vaping. Members of the public who wish to report vaping offences or the sale of vaping products may contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 during office hours from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays.