A devastated father believes that highly addictive vapes known as “Kpods,” frequently enough laced with ketamine and other hazardous substances, led to his 19-year-old daughter’s death.

Delfard Tay watched his daughter, Shermaine, vomit uncontrollably, a sign her addiction was spiraling.Just days later, the 19-year-old was dead.

Delfard reviewed CCTV footage showing his daughter stumbling before her fatal fall from their apartment. He believes “Kpods” were the cause.

social services in Singapore have reported numerous similar cases involving young users of Kpods. Common symptoms include confusion, aggression, disorientation, and sudden collapse.

According to Addictions Recovery Singapore, vape liquids are ofen laced with substances like ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids, often without the user’s knowledge.

A major concern is etomidate,a powerful anaesthetic commonly found in Kpods.Although it can severely affect behaviour and consciousness,it often goes undetected in routine drug tests.

Dealers advertise this on Telegram,telling buyers they won’t get caught as etomidate falls under Singapore’s Poisons Act,not its drug laws.

Shermaine had been undergoing weekly urine tests, but no drugs were ever detected – another reason Delfard believes she felt safe continuing to vape.

The Kpod crisis has also affected Delfard’s friend,who admitted to him that he was using Kpods. Describing his friend’s zombie-like behaviour while using the vape, he saeid: “He just cannot stand well, and his leg is shaking.”

Delfard said he also witnessed another person “drop backwards” while smiling after using them.

“It’s mostly teenagers using these,” he said. “And many parents still don’t realize what Kpods are.They just think their kids are vaping nicotine.”

Recent government testing confirmed that 1 in 3 seized vapes contained etomidate. Health officials warned that while vapes are often assumed to contain only nicotine, they are now being used to deliver powerful psychoactive substances – and even hard drugs.

Delfard is now calling for more support systems to be put in place for struggling youth.

“The government needs to set up help centres for teenagers,” he urged. “But more importantly, parents need to stay involved in their children’s lives. They need to understand what’s really going on.”

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123,email jo@samaritans.orgvisit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.