The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 35-year-old man for allegedly trafficking etomidate e-vaporiser pods, also known as Kpods. The man, identified as Wee Rong Hong Marcus, was charged in court on Thursday (Nov 20). During an enforcement operation at Geylang on Nov 18, HSA officers conducted checks on Wee, who was «vaping and behaving suspiciously», said the agency in a statement on Nov 20.HSA officers found and seized a total of 17 e-vaporisers and pods from Wee, of which 13 pods were meant for sale. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. Investigations are ongoing and the case has been adjourned to Dec 18. HSA said that it takes a serious view of e-vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences. Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers now face stiffer penalties. If convicted, importers can be jailed for three to 20 years and receive five to 15 strokes of the cane, while sellers and distributors can be jailed for two to 10 years and receive two to five strokes of the cane.  Read more