Singaporean arrested in Thailand for allegedly supplying drug-laced “Kpods”

On April 30, Thai police arrested a 37-year-old Singaporean man in Bangkok for allegedly supplying drug-laced vapes as part of a transnational smuggling network.

The man was one of eight suspects arrested in coordinated raids on a house in Din Daeng and a condo in Pathum Thani.

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced on May 2 that they seized over THB15,7 million (approximately USD460,000) in assets, including a car, land title deed, jewellery, vaping equipment, and THB5,8 million (approximately USD170,000) in cash.

The investigation began with a tip-off about vapes laced with narcotics being sold to tourists as “Kpods”.

On April 28, an undercover officer bought one for THB2,500 (around USD68), triggering the bust.

The vapes contained etomidate, a potent anaesthetic that acts as a nervous system depressant. Also known as “zombie cigarettes”, they can cause unconsciousness, heart failure, and death if inhaled in large quantities.

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The Singaporean man, along with two Thai nationals, allegedly supplied the vapes to low-level dealers. One dealer admitted earning over THB25 million (around USD732,000) in a year reselling them.

In addition, the man also faces charges for illegal entry and is under investigation for money laundering.

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The crackdown comes amid a nationwide campaign against illegal vaping launched by Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in February.

Most recently, on May 7, Thailand’s Ministry of Education has banned e-cigarettes in all schools and offices to address rising youth vaping.

The move comes with four key measures: awareness campaigns, no-vaping signs, active monitoring, and disciplinary action.

Via The Straits Times

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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