Judge Asks Authorities for More Information to Guide Sentencing in First Kpods Case

In the first prosecution involving etomidate-laced vapes, known as Kpods, the court has directed the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to provide more information for sentencing, including a profile of end users.

- Samuel Devaraj

Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, who is alleged to have made the Kpods at home with the intent to sell them, had been expected to plead guilty on July 23.

The Singaporean, who is facing a total of eight charges, including two for selling and possession to sell etomidate under the Poisons Act in Yishun, is now scheduled to do so on Aug 11 after the case was adjourned for the prosecution to flesh out its sentencing submissions.

In court on July 23, Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu noted that the prosecution had furnished a skeletal sentencing submission. She added that, given the novelty of the case and the fact that there are no precedents for the possession for sale of etomidate under the Poisons Act, time should be given for the prosecution to furnish a full version.

This would include case law for a case of this nature, Judge Ong said.

Apart from the profile of end users, she also asked for statistics on the rise of vapes containing etomidate in Singapore, which she said would better inform the court about their prevalence.

She also asked for information about the effects of inhaling etomidate, noting that the prosecution had provided information on the consequences of its intravenous use.