S1E54: Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it’s time to raise the alarm
Kpods, a street term for drug-laced e-vaporisers, has been much-talked about this week. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Videos of vape users taken by the public have been surfacing online – in particular, of younger people – turning into “zombies” and behaving erratically after using etomidate-laced vapes. An anaesthetic used in hospitals during medical procedures, etomidate is classified as a poison, which can only be used by licensed medical professionals. In this episode of The Usual Place podcast, I spoke with my colleague and crime reporter Nadine Chua; Yio Chu Kang SMC MP Yip Hon Weng, who has raised multiple questions in Parliament on vaping over the past few years; and executive director of youth mental health charity Impart, Narasimman Tivasiha Mani, who has encountered teens using Kpods. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:37 You don’t need to tell sellers your age, you just need money, notes Mr Narasimman 6:37 Vape sellers market the devices to look trendy or innocuous 14:01 “If he continues down this path, it’s like he’s gone anyway.”: Ms Chua on how a mother shared about her struggle with her son who is hooked on Kpods 14:54 The roles – and limitations – of different government agencies such as the Central Narcotics Bureau and Health Sciences Authority 27:36 What could happen in the long run if we fail to act on Kpods today? Read ST's coverage on the invisible vaping crisis: https://str.sg/JpFev Read Nadine Chua's articles: https://str.sg/3z8M3 Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Helplines: Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg tinklefriend.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) shanyou.org.sg Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.