Malaysians Among 65 Held in Vietnam for 'Zombie Drug' E-cigarette Ring

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, have dismantled a significant drug trafficking network, arresting 65 individuals, including four Malaysians, for their alleged involvement in distributing a dangerous new synthetic drug.

The operation targeted a syndicate that infused e-cigarette liquids with etomidate, an anesthetic drug. The resulting product, dubbed 'Kpod zombie,' reportedly induced zombie-like behavior in users and carried severe health risks, including seizures and psychotic episodes. The network supplied these products to both local Vietnamese and foreign customers.

Malaysian nationals Hoo Jia How, 30, and Singaporean Melvin Tan Junjie, 30, have been identified by police as the alleged masterminds behind the operation. Their arrest followed weeks of surveillance, during which police raided a rented house and confiscated 1,331 e-cigarette cartridges and 140 milliliters of the etomidate-laced liquid.

Further investigations led to the apprehension of another Singaporean, Oh Jang Fong, accused of supplying the etomidate. The group is suspected of injecting the anesthetic into e-cigarette pods and distributing them through local dealers. Some buyers allegedly resold the product or organized drug abuse parties. Subsequent raids uncovered two more distribution rings, bringing the total number of arrests to 65. Authorities also seized close to 2,000 drug-laced e-cigarette cartridges and 140 ml of etomidate liquid.

Etomidate, a medical anesthetic, has been increasingly misused in Vietnam, where it was classified as a narcotic in early 2026. Police noted that the product was deceptively marketed as undetectable in drug tests and not a narcotic, creating a false sense of security. While initial use might cause euphoria, authorities warn of potential side effects including drowsiness, impaired awareness, slowed reactions, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and death.