{
  "id": 27817,
  "title": "Singaporeans, Malaysians arrested in Ho Chi Minh City over drug-laced vape network",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/01/singaporeans-malaysians-arrested-in-ho-chi-minh-city-over-drug-laced",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-01T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "VnExpress International",
    "slug": "vnexpress-international",
    "url": "https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/crime/singaporeans-malaysians-arrested-in-ho-chi-minh-city-over-drug-laced-vape-network-5104072.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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\".\n\nFour 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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\nPolice 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.",
  "summary": "Police in Ho Chi Minh City have dismantled a drug trafficking group that injected narcotic-laced e-liquid into e-cigarettes, arresting 65 suspects, including 10 foreign nationals believed to have played key roles.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "VnExpress International",
        "title": "Vietnam recovers remains of 150 fallen soldiers at Ho Chi Minh City park",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/31/vietnam-recovers-remains-of-150-fallen-soldiers-at-ho-chi-minh-city",
        "published": "2026-07-31T00:58:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "4 Singaporeans among foreigners arrested in Vietnam over alleged drug-laced vape trafficking ring",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/4-singaporeans-among-foreigners-arrested-in-vietnam-over-alleged-drug",
        "published": "2026-08-02T09:50:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Six arrested after allegedly spitting, throwing rocks at Armenian church in Jerusalem's Old City",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/six-arrested-after-allegedly-spitting-throwing-rocks-at-armenian",
        "published": "2026-08-02T17:38:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}