A 30-year-old man, Muhamad Khairuddin Bin Abdullah, has been charged with trafficking nearly 2,000 etomidate e-vaporiser pods in what is reported as the largest seizure since etomidate was classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the operation unfolded on 20 January 2024 at Woodlands Checkpoint, where officers discovered the staggering haul of 1,989 e-vaporiser pods, colloquially known as Kpods, hidden in two boxes in the boot of his rental car. Khairuddin was travelling with his 63-year-old mother and a four-month-old niece at the time of the incident.
Details of the Seizure
- Date of Incident: 20 January 2024
- Location: Woodlands Checkpoint
- Pods Seized: 1,989 etomidate e-vaporiser pods
- Charges Filed: 22 January 2024
- Next Court Date: 5 March 2024
After his detention, the HSA was alerted and later conducted a raid at Khairuddin’s residence where they found three additional regular e-vaporiser pods. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that the pods contained etomidate, underscoring the gravity of the trafficking offences.
Stricter Penalties Under the Misuse of Drugs Act
The penalties for trafficking in etomidate have become increasingly severe since new regulations came into effect on 1 September 2023. Under these enhanced measures, importers like Khairuddin could face:
- Minimum: 3 years in jail and 5 strokes of the cane
- Maximum: 20 years in jail and 15 strokes of the cane
Sellers and distributors face a minimum of two years in jail and can incur similar corporal punishment.
Need Support? Reach Out
If you or someone you know needs help with vaping or addiction, support is available:
- Report vaping offences to the HSA at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (9am to 9pm daily).
- For those looking to quit vaping, contact the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme at 1800-438-2000 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
- For further help with addiction or substance abuse, refer to HealthHub.