Taiwanese Worker Repatriated After Kpod Possession in Singapore

A Taiwanese man had his work permit revoked and was repatriated after being found in possession of an e-vaporiser pod containing etomidate, commonly referred to as a Kpod. Authorities apprehended the 26-year-old on October 21, 2025, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued on December 18. This incident is part of a broader crackdown on etomidate use among foreign nationals in Singapore.

Crackdown on Etomidate Abuse

The Taiwanese individual is one of six foreign etomidate abusers who have either been repatriated or are awaiting repatriation. The MOH and HSA emphasized the importance of compliance with local laws, warning that failure to adhere could result in a revocation of work permits and a ban on working in Singapore.

In the three months since the enhanced anti-vaping framework was implemented in September 2025, authorities have issued fines to 2,710 individuals for e-vaporiser related offences. Among those, 257 were found in possession of e-vaporisers containing etomidate. Of these, 162 offenders have been enrolled in rehabilitation programmes at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and various social service agencies, while investigations are ongoing for 70 others.

Despite the rehabilitation efforts, three individuals have been charged in court for failing to attend their initial rehabilitation appointments. These defaulters could face potential jail sentences of up to two years. Additionally, one other defaulter is currently under investigation. The authorities are also looking into four repeat offenders who have missed their e-vaporiser rehabilitation sessions, bringing the total number of defaulters from September 1 to November 30 to eight.

Strengthened Anti-Vaping Measures

The MOH and HSA have taken multiple actions to combat the rise of e-vaporiser use, particularly those containing etomidate. In the past three months, 72 individuals voluntarily enrolled in programmes aimed at quitting etomidate vaping, while 310 participants signed up for the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme.

The enhanced anti-vaping framework imposes stiffer penalties for those caught possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporisers. Offenders who do not complete their rehabilitation programmes will face prosecution, while those caught using e-vaporisers for a third time or more will be prosecuted in court, facing fines of up to S$2,000 (approximately US$1,550). Given the serious nature of etomidate offences, the penalties are significantly harsher, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to tackling substance abuse in Singapore.

The recent actions underscore a broader effort to maintain public health and safety, particularly amid the ongoing challenges posed by vaping and substance misuse.