A warning to smokers: The Medical Sciences Department has detected for the first time pod-type e-cigarettes illegally mixed with methamphetamine and etomidate, emphasizing life-threatening risks including possible unconsciousness and sudden cardiac arrest.
On 25 August 2026, Dr. Sorawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department, revealed that in June 2026, the Department's Bureau of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances received samples of pod e-cigarette cartridges containing vaping liquid for laboratory testing. The samples were clear orange liquid-filled pods.
Test results showed methamphetamine hydrochloride at a purity of 3.56%, and etomidate, a Schedule 2 substance, currently illicitly mixed into vaping liquids known as "K-Pod" or "zombie e-cigarettes."
This marks the first time the Medical Sciences Department has detected these two substances mixed in vaping liquids, reflecting a new trend in drug use that increases risks and harms to the body.
Dr. Sorawut added that inhaling these substances mixed in vaping liquid can cause severe and sudden life-threatening harm. Etomidate suppresses breathing and brain function, potentially causing unconsciousness, while methamphetamine hydrochloride stimulates the nervous system and heart, which may cause irregular heartbeats and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
The Medical Sciences Department has reported these findings to relevant agencies to enhance surveillance and monitor the spread of this new drug form, supporting national drug prevention and control efforts and protecting public health and safety.