- Joined
- Aug 20, 2022
- Messages
- 21,529
- Points
- 113
CNB nabs 8 S’poreans, seizes over 400 Kpods, $22k in cash in Telok Blangah, Hougang, Boon Lay raids
CNB officers leading a man (left, in a black top) suspected of selling e-vaporiser pods and an occupant (in a grey top) of a flat in Telok Blangah away after arresting them on Sept 10.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Claudia Tan
Published Sep 11, 2025, 07:33 PM
Updated Sep 12, 2025, 11:27 AM
SINGAPORE – Eight Singaporeans were arrested on Sept 10 during the first major Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) operation against vaping since stiffer penalties were introduced on Sept 1.
The six-hour-long operation involved more than 20 personnel, including those from CNB’s Special Task Force, which carries out high-risk operations such as vehicle pursuits and house raids.
More than 400 e-vaporiser pods believed to contain etomidate and numerous vape-related products were seized from the operation in Telok Blangah Rise, Hougang and Boon Lay Drive, said CNB.
One of those arrested is a suspected vape trafficker who was operating from a three-room flat in Telok Blangah. The Straits Times understands the flat is not his registered address.
The 26-year-old man was arrested at about 6pm at the void deck, as he was about to deal with a suspected buyer, a 28-year-old man, who was also apprehended.
Both men tried to resist arrest and had to be subdued by officers, who surrounded them and pinned them to the ground.
The 26-year-old alleged trafficker was taken back to the flat, and the unit was searched.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Another 26-year-old man, believed to be an accomplice, was arrested inside the unit.
Shortly after, a 23-year-old-man, believed to be another buyer, was arrested outside the unit.
The Straits Times observed the raid and saw a large bag of styrofoam pieces, cardboard boxes and packing materials strewn about the sparse living room. A total of 327 etomidate-laced pods, vape-related items and packing material were found inside the unit.
It took about five hours to process the items and record the statements from the two men, who were led away in unmarked cars at around 11.30pm.
That evening, another CNB team was involved in a car chase while tailing a man who had left the Telok Blangah flat on a motorcycle.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Following him in cars and on motorcycles, they intercepted him along Braddell Road at about 6pm.
He was made to get into an unmarked car while another officer rode his motorbike to a carpark in Serangoon Avenue 1, where the suspect was questioned and searched.
Two parcels were discovered under his bike seat. Each parcel had a “Thank you” sticker pasted on the front.
CNB found five e-vaporiser pods, believed to be laced with etomidate, in the parcels. Such pods are also known as Kpods. ST understands he was assisting with investigations and not arrested.
Four other Singaporeans were nabbed in Hougang and Boon Lay.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Two men, aged 29 and 32, were arrested for drug-related offences at a flat in Hougang Avenue 9.
Several vape-related products were found inside the unit, along with $20,818 in cash, 498 yuan (S$90) and RM5,800 (S$1,800).
Separately, a 23-year-old man was arrested at his home in Boon Lay, where officers found vape-related products. Among the items were five vape pods believed to contain etomidate.
An 18-year-old woman who was found to be carrying Kpods was nabbed at the same location. Preliminary investigations revealed that she was about to collect more Kpods from the 23-year-old man, said CNB.
Since Sept 1, HSA has authorised more than 5,000 front-line enforcement officers from CNB, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, Land Transport Authority, Ministry of Manpower, and public transport operators to take action against vape users.
This almost doubles the enforcement force, which comprises personnel from HSA, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Ministry of Education, National Environment Agency, National Parks Board and Singapore Police Force.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
On Sept 8, Derek Khor Boon Chun, 40, became
the first person to be charged
under the Misuse of Drugs Act, after etomidate was classified as a Class C controlled drug on Sept 1.
He allegedly had 43 Kpods on him when he was caught at a carpark in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 on Sept 6.
If convicted, traffickers can be jailed for between two and 10 years and be given two to five strokes of the cane.
As at Sept 8, the authorities have caught 232 people for vape-related offences.
First-time etomidate abusers face fines of $700 for those aged 18 and above, or $500 for those below 18. They must also attend rehabilitation for up to six months.
Those caught a second time will have to undergo mandatory supervision for six months, which will include drug testing and rehabilitation.
Kpod abusers aged 16 and above and caught for the third time or more will undergo a 12-month regime – which includes treatment in a drug rehabilitation centre, followed by drug testing and supervision.
Those under 16 years old will face mandatory supervision and drug testing for a year.
To report vaping-related offences, call the Health Sciences Authority hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays. Reports can also be made online at
www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
