Thailand Uncovers Dangerous Etomidate Contamination in E-Cigarettes Amidst Rising Illicit Drug Mixing Warnings

Thailand's Alarming Discovery: Etomidate Contaminates E-Cigarettes Amidst Rising Drug Mixing

Thailand's Department of Medical Sciences has issued a stark warning regarding a disturbing trend: e-cigarettes are increasingly being laced with illicit narcotics. Recent laboratory analyses have revealed the potent anaesthetic etomidate in numerous vape samples, sparking grave concerns over potential neurological and respiratory damage to users.

The Perilous Rise of Adulterated Vapes

Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, the department’s director-general, highlighted the severe health risks associated with e-cigarettes adulterated with various psychoactive substances. Globally, substances like cocaine, known for its brain-altering effects, and fentanyl, capable of inducing fatal respiratory suppression, have been detected. Locally, Thai authorities are observing a rise in disposable e-cigarettes, often dubbed Kpods or “zombie vapes,” containing new psychoactive substances (NPS) instead of or alongside nicotine. These chemicals pose significant threats to the nervous system, mental well-being, and vital organ function.

In light of these findings, Dr. Sarawut urgently advises the public, especially children and teenagers, to completely avoid all forms of e-cigarettes.

Laboratory Investigations and Shocking Findings

Between October 2024 and June 2025, the Bureau of Drug and Narcotic, a division of the Department of Medical Sciences, meticulously examined 83 e-cigarette samples. These samples, which included disposable devices, refill pods, and bottled vape liquids, were collected from various agencies such as the Disease Control Department, FDA, Royal Thai Police, and DSI.

Intriguingly, among the 27 samples with clear labelling, only nicotine was detected. However, a staggering 56 unlabelled or counterfeit-appearing products tested positive for etomidate contamination. In these cases, etomidate was either blended with nicotine or used as a complete substitute.

Etomidate: A Medical Drug Turned Illicit Threat

Etomidate, a rapid-acting anaesthetic, is strictly intended for supervised hospital use. Its unauthorized presence in vape liquids has seen a worrying surge across Asia, with its initial detection in Thailand occurring in late 2024. Recognising the escalating danger, etomidate, initially classified as a special-controlled medicine, was elevated to a Category 2 psychotropic substance on July 27th, empowering stricter controls on its import, possession, and use.

Advanced Detection and Enforcement Efforts

As Thailand’s national reference laboratory for drug analysis, the Bureau of Drug and Narcotic remains vigilant, continuously monitoring emerging drug trends and innovating advanced testing methodologies to combat the growing complexity of illicit substances. In 2025, the department successfully pioneered a method for detecting etomidate in vape liquids, a technology now disseminated to medical science centres nationwide. These validated results are crucial; they provide irrefutable legal evidence that detected compounds fall under Thai narcotic laws, thereby bolstering criminal proceedings against offenders.