‘It’s not illegal’: How prescription drugs are filling the void left by Kpods
Following a crackdown on Kpods, more individuals in Singapore are turning to prescription drugs and, in some cases, harder substances, according to addiction specialists.Summary
A recent crackdown on Kpods (e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate) in Singapore has led to a shift in substance abuse patterns, with former users increasingly turning to prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and, in some instances, harder illicit substances. Addiction management centers report that six in ten former Kpod abusers have transitioned to other substances. This trend is driven by the perception that prescription drugs carry less severe legal consequences and are more readily accessible, with illegal sales occurring in areas like Geylang and potential complicity through medical channels. Authorities are addressing the issue through raids and online monitoring, while medical professionals advocate for further research to understand the extent of prescription drug misuse.
(Source：Channel Newsasia)
