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Singaporean nationals and Malaysians were arrested in Ho Chi Minh City for their alleged involvement in a drug-laced electronic cigarette distribution network, according to the HCMC Police Department's Drug Crime Investigation Division. The crackdown targeted the production and sale of drug-laced vape pods, known as "pod chill".

Four Singaporeans, four Malaysians, and two Taiwanese nationals were among those detained, with Malaysian national Hoo Jia How and Singaporean Melvin Tan Junjie identified as the alleged ringleaders. Police began investigating the network in early July after detecting signs of its operation, leading to a series of coordinated raids on Cong Quynh Street in Cau Ong Lanh Ward, where the two leaders were apprehended.

During the raids, authorities seized 1,331 e-cigarette pods and 140 ml of Etomidate-laced e-liquid, which was used to fill the pods. Additional arrests were made for the supply of Etomidate-containing liquid to the group. The drugs were then distributed to Vietnamese and foreign customers, who allegedly resold the products or organized drug use.

Police also dismantled two other distribution networks run by two Vietnamese nationals, Le Ton Nu Diem Thuy and Tran Dinh Canh. Etomidate, an anesthetic used in medicine, was mixed into e-cigarette liquid for illicit use. Classified as a narcotic in Vietnam since January 19, Etomidate-laced vape pods are often marketed as safe, misleading users into believing they will not show up on drug tests.

The substance can cause severe side effects when inhaled, including drowsiness, impaired awareness, poor concentration, slowed reflexes, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty walking, confusion, disorientation, seizures, impaired consciousness, respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and even death.