Kpods pushed by organised crime groups: UN; JJ Lin reveals heart condition diagnosis: Singapore live news
There is evidence to show that vapes sold in Asia are increasingly laced with synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical products like etomidate. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published in May, products sold in Singapore as Kpods have been found to contain either etomidate or ketamine, which is a Class A controlled drug. The UNODC report also said that drug syndicates and organised crime groups are lacing vapes with synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical products like etomidate.
Meanwhile, Singaporean singer JJ Lin announced on Sunday (13 July) that he has been diagnosed with a heart condition. Channel News Asia reported that the 44-year-old revealed the news to attendees at his concert at China’s Beijing National Stadium – the final stop of his JJ20 Final Lap world tour.
In sporting news, Jannik Sinner is now the first Italian to win a singles title at Wimbledon after beating Carlos Alcaraz in spectacular fashion. On 13 July, the world No 1 beat the two-time defending champion 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to become the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title and clinch his fourth grand slam crown.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates:
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Esther Au Yong
Singaporean singer JJ Lin poses on the red carpet in Taiwan. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Toby Chang)
Singaporean singer JJ Lin announced on Sunday (13 July) that he has been diagnosed with a heart condition. Channel News Asia reported that the 44-year-old revealed the news to attendees at his concert at China’s Beijing National Stadium – the final stop of his JJ20 Final Lap world tour.
Lin was reportedly diagnosed in April 2024 and since then, has been on daily medication.
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Esther Au Yong
Kpods being pushed by organised crime groups, including in Singapore, say the UN. (PHOTO: Getty)
There is evidence to show that vapes sold in Asia are increasingly laced with synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical products like etomidate. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published in May, products sold in Singapore as Kpods have been found to contain either etomidate or ketamine, which is a Class A controlled drug.
The UNODC report also say that drug syndicates and organised crime groups are lacing vapes with synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical products like etomidate.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) told the Straits Times that in the first half of 2025, it detected 28 cases involving Kpods, up from 10 cases recorded in 2024.
“Symptoms of etomidate overuse primarily include intoxication-like effects, hand tremors, unsteadiness, as well as anxiety, panic, sluggishness, and mental confusion, and its use has been associated with public safety accidents,” the report said.
Vaping has been banned in Singapore since 2018.
