Kpods, E-cigarettes, Vapes… What’s in them? Are the Consequences Any Different?

Many people have heard of “vapes”, “vape pens”, or “kpods”, but few understand what actually goes into these devices, or why some lead to far more serious consequences than others. As discussed in a previous article, vaping is illegal in Singapore under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA). However the legal risks do not end there. Vape cartridges that contain psychoactive or controlled substances expose users as well as suppliers to much harsher penalties under Singapore law.

Following amendments that took effect on 1 May 2026 under the TVCA, penalties for vape-related offences have been substantially increased, particularly where drug-laced vape product or young persons are involved.

In this article, we will discuss:

• What are the different types of vapes?
• What are the legal consequences of possessing or using vapes and Kpods?
• What should you do if you are caught with a kpod?

What are the Different Types of Vapes?

What are ‘Kpods’?

Vaping first gained popularity through the use of nicotine-containing vape pods. More recently, however, “K-pods” have emerged as a growing concern.

K-pods are commonly understood to refer to vape devices or vape pods containing etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic agent. They are sometimes referred to colloquially as “zombie pods” due to their psychoactive effects.

Unlike conventional nicotine vapes, K-pods may contain etomidate or other psychoactive substances, including synthetic cannabinoids, ketamine, methamphetamine, and various sedatives, often in undisclosed or unknown combinations.

With colourful packaging, fruity flavours and designs that appeal to younger users, K-pods can closely resemble ordinary vape products, making them particularly difficult to distinguish and potentially more dangerous.

E-cigarettes and Vaporisers

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) classifies “kpods”, “vapes”, and “e-cigarettes” under Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Broadly referred to as electronic cigarettes or vaporisers under ENDS, these battery-powered devices heat liquid into an inhalable vapour. While they typically contain nicotine, some e-liquids are marketed as nicotine-free.

To be classified as ENDS, the device:

• Generally is a battery-powered device that heats liquid into an inhalable vapour
• Generally is used in a way that imitates smoking
• Usually contains nicotine (though not always)

Image source: MOH

Legal Consequences of Possessing or Using Vapes

Possession, Purchase and Use of Vapes

Under the TVCA, it is illegal to purchase, possess or use vapes in Singapore.

The TVCA applies broadly to products that:

• Resemble or are designed to resemble tobacco products;
• Are capable of being smoked;
• May be used to mimic the act of smoking; or
• Have packaging that resembles packaging commonly associated with tobacco products.

This prohibition extends to vapes, e-cigarettes, vape pods and K-pods.

Following the recent amendments to the law, individuals caught purchasing, possessing or using a vape may now face a fine of up to S$10,000, a substantial increase from the previous maximum fine of S$2,000.

The penalties for those involved in the supply chain have also been significantly increased:

• Sellers and suppliers may face fines of up to S$200,000 and imprisonment of up to 6 years.
• Importers and smugglers may face fines of up to S$300,000 and imprisonment of up to 9 years.

These enhanced penalties reflect the Government’s stronger enforcement stance against vaping and the illegal vape trade.

Drug-Laced Vapes and Specific Psychoactive Substances

The TVCA also introduces offences relating to Specific Psychoactive Substances (SPS).

SPS refers to substances that produce a psychoactive effect when consumed and are abused, or are likely to be abused, through tobacco products, vaporisers or imitation tobacco products.

Etomidate, which is commonly found in K-pods, is one example of an SPS.

These offences were introduced in response to growing concerns about drug-laced vape products and the increasing prevalence of K-pods in Singapore.

Enhanced penalties involving SPS products

introduces particularly severe penalties for those who involve youths in vaping-related activities.

For example:

• Adults who knowingly or recklessly leave SPS products where children can access them, or who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent young persons from using SPS products, may face imprisonment of up to 10 years for a first offence, and 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment for subsequent offences.
• Adults who involve young or vulnerable persons in the importation, supply or distribution of SPS products may face 4 to 20 years’ imprisonment and 4 to 15 strokes of the cane.
• In addition, persons who organise, arrange or plan gatherings where SPS products are supplied or consumed may face 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to 5 strokes of the cane.

In particularly serious cases, adults who recruit or involve young persons in the supply or smuggling of drug-laced vape products may face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.

Possession of Illegal Substances in ‘Kpods’

On the other hand, if someone is caught using “kpods” containing illegal substances, the consequences are far more severe. The penalties depend on the type of substance involved and are set out under the Poisons Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Common substances such as etomidate, ketamine, and methamphetamine found in “kpods” are considered poisons under the Poisons Act, which regulates the possession of potent medical substances in Singapore. Under section 9(1) of the Poisons Act, a person who knowingly possesses or has under his control a poison may be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to 2 years, or both.

In addition to being listed under the Poisons Act, substances classified as drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act carry a larger consequence. Possession of such drugs carries a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Consumption attracts harsher penalties: a fine of up to $20,000 and 1 to 10 years’ imprisonment.

New measures by the government to tackle drug-laced vapes

To strengthen enforcement against the rise of drug-laced vapes, the government has introduced new temporary measures. From now until 28 February 2026, etomidate will be temporarily classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. This temporary classification equips the authorities with stronger legal powers to take enforcement action and place users under rehabilitation.

For offenders under 16 and 18, penalties are more lenient and emphasise further rehabilitation. The penalties are detailed in our other article, “New Measures to Tackle Drug-Laced Vapes in Singapore“.

What Should You Do If You Are Caught With a ‘Kpod’?

If you are found in possession of a K-pod, it is important to take the matter seriously.

Unlike ordinary vape offences, K-pods may contain psychoactive substances, poisons or controlled drugs, which can significantly increase the legal consequences. The exact charges and penalties will depend on the substances involved and the circumstances of the case.

It is crucial that you consult a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal advice can help you understand the allegations, protect your rights during investigations and navigate the legal process appropriately.