SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man was sentenced to 16 months’ jail and fined S$400 on 26 August in the country’s first conviction linked to etomidate-laced Kpods.
Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, was found guilty of producing the pods for sale to e-vaporiser users.
He had earlier pleaded guilty on 13 August to multiple charges related to vaping and making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu emphasised the need for deterrence in such cases, warning that etomidate poses severe risks.
The court heard that the drug has been detected in several unnatural death cases, including a fatal road accident.
On 25 July, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) confirmed that etomidate was found in the blood samples of two people involved in a May accident in Punggol Road.
Akil charged for making drug-laced vapes at home
Akil was arrested in December 2024 after officers found 26.4g of white powder containing enough etomidate to prepare more than 70 pods in his Yishun flat.
He lived there with his mother and was facing financial hardship at the time.
Investigations revealed that he had met a man known only as “Joe” at a Johor mall in October 2024.
Joe offered him work preparing the pods for distribution in Singapore.
Supplies, including e-liquid, pod casings and etomidate powder, were sent to Akil by courier.
Akil mixed the substances and filled the pods, which were then stored in his home.
Customers contacted him directly, and he was paid S$10 per pod prepared. Despite knowing that vaping products are illegal in Singapore, Akil agreed to take part.
On 11 December 2024, he agreed to supply 100 pods to a contact named “Beast.”
The order was collected by a delivery man but later handed to police when the courier realised the bag contained vape-related products.
Attempts to evade authorities
That same morning, HSA officers raided Akil’s home and discovered the etomidate powder and other equipment.
Though he surrendered his passport, Akil later tried to leave for Malaysia to visit his girlfriend without it.
In January 2025, he made a false report to the ICA, claiming that both his identity card and passport were lost at a coffee shop, though only his card was returned.
On this basis, he was issued with a new passport, which enabled him to travel overseas multiple times before his deception was exposed.
Judge Ong also noted that Akil’s actions had “transnational elements” and may have involved syndicate activities.
Etomidate to be classified as Class C drug in Singapore from 1 September
Etomidate is currently regulated under the Poisons Act.
However, from 1 September, it will be listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed the reclassification on 24 August.
Ong reiterated the government’s commitment to tightening enforcement against vape-related abuse, referencing recent remarks made by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the National Day Rally.
Class C substances are considered less harmful than Class A or B drugs, but remain subject to strict controls.
The hypnotic drug Erimin-5 (nimetazepam) is among those already listed in this category.
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