Singapore man’s Kpods addiction leaves parents with S$30,000 debt
A father shared that his son was dismissed from several jobs due to his addiction to Kpods, also known as zombie vape pods, a dangerous form of illegal e-cigarette.
To fund his vaping habit and cover daily living expenses, the son borrowed over S$30,000 from moneylenders, ultimately leaving his parents saddled with the debt and worried about potential fines tied to his use.
The father, who wished to remain anonymous, told Shin Min Daily News that he was devastated to learn his son, in his 20s, had become addicted to Kpods after reading numerous reports about their dangers.
He hopes that by sharing his story, his family’s experience can serve as a warning to others.
Son’s appearance & mental state changed drastically after he started vaping
The father said his son began vaping in January last year.
However, by January 2025, his physical appearance and mental state had deteriorated significantly.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
He showed the reporter a set of comparison photos — once healthy and well-built, his son now appeared pale, thin, and lifeless.
“I’ve seen his hands tremble, his eyes go blank. Sometimes he even needs to hold the wall just to walk,” the father said.
In March this year, he brought his son for counselling.
Although the son promised to quit, he broke that promise repeatedly.
Father afraid to report son to HSA
The father added that his son had been fired by three or four companies this year.
Struggling financially, his son turned to moneylenders for cash, and the family soon began receiving debt collection letters.
Heartbroken, the father told his son that he would repay the S$30,000 debt — but only if he quit vaping.
He also revealed that he and his wife had already used their savings to clear most of the amount.
Based on the letters he received, each loan was roughly S$2,500.
However, what disappointed him most was that his son recently returned home looking visibly unsteady and vacant-eyed — clear signs that he had started vaping again.
“I’m really at my wits’ end,” the father said. “I don’t even dare report it to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). If they impose a fine, we’ll end up having to pay it.”
Father urges tougher laws on Kpods
The father said that he and his wife have been living in distress and have no idea where their son is obtaining the Kpods.
He called on the authorities to crack down on the illegal vape trade and urged them to impose equal penalties on both buyers and sellers.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
“This kind of vape has already ruined so many families. If I knew who was selling them, I’d definitely report them,” he said.
In March, the father quit his job to stay home and monitor his son closely for a month.
He was afraid his son would buy more vapes and hoped the close supervision would help him kick the habit and avoid bad influences.
Encouraged by some early progress, the father returned to work in April — only to later discover that his son had secretly resumed vaping.
Son beaten up by vape seller
The father revealed that around Chinese New Year, his son was beaten by a seller after failing to pay for vapes.
“They even said that if he couldn’t pay, he’d have to work as a runner to repay the debt. Isn’t that illegal?” he questioned.
He added that strangers had even come to their home and taken photos of their front door to threaten his son.
The family only found out what was happening when their frightened son finally confessed.
In March alone, the father discovered more than 20 vape pods hidden in his son’s room and on his person.
He also showed photos of the vapes, which came in various shapes and colours, totalling several dozen.
“Sometimes, after I confiscate them, he goes out and comes back with new ones on him,” he said.
Also read: Man charged for manufacturing ‘Kpods’ at home in Yishun, first such case in S’pore
Man charged for manufacturing ‘Kpods’ at home in Yishun, first such case in S’pore
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News.
