Parcel of 'chocolate and chilli sauce' actually hid vapes, sparking raids at Grange Road and Tampines
David Sun
The Straits Times
August 21, 2025
The parcel supposedly consisted of a large chocolate packet and chilli sauce. But instead of food, the courier found it contained vape pods when the parcel recipient accidentally exposed its contents.
He quickly informed his company, which alerted the authorities, leading to raids that uncovered drugs and etomidate-laced vapes, also known as Kpods.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) raided two locations in Grange Road and Tampines Street 33 on July 22.
At the Grange Road residence, HSA officers found the alleged seller, a 25-year-old woman, in an unresponsive state.
They also found drug paraphernalia, 43 vape pods and 13 vapes with other components.
At the Tampines raid, where the alleged buyer lived, they found 0.6g of "Ice", drug paraphernalia, more than 80 heat-not-burn tobacco products, one vape, four Kpods containing etomidate, and two packets and five sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
The alleged buyer, a 34-year-old man, was arrested for suspected drug-related offences.
HSA said the two are being investigated for vaping and drug offences. It added that so far in 2025, there have been four cases of couriers delivering vapes. It warned that anyone delivering the devices will be liable for prosecution.
Drivers and couriers are urged to be mindful of the packages they deliver, and report anything suspicious at the nearest police post and surrender the items there.
In May, two couriers noticed something suspicious about a parcel and uncovered a vape product after advice from their company. They refused monetary incentives offered by the sender who wanted the package back.
The package was then handed to HSA and the couriers were praised for their public-spiritedness.
"When they suspected something wasn't right about a package, they reported it and stood their ground despite facing pressure," HSA said. "Their actions show how everyone can play a part in keeping Singapore safe."
Those found to possess, use or purchase vapes can be fined up to $2,000.
Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
Those found possessing or using vape pods containing etomidate - an ingredient classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act - can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.
The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.
