Etomidate was listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Sep 1, 2025, leading to an escalation of enforcement against sellers and users.
Four months on, Wade said drug distribution networks have been forced deeper underground.
Previously, runners would deliver Kpods directly to customers in what is known as “doorstep” deliveries.
Now, Kpod sellers are forced to use closed Telegram groups which pop right back up after being taken down.
They have also begun selling their vapes through “dead drops” – the same method used by those selling harder drugs like methamphetamine and heroin.
In a dead drop, drugs are hidden in discreet locations, such as dry risers or concealed corners of housing estates, with sellers sending buyers photos of where to retrieve them. This makes it harder for authorities to detect.
Usually, only the runners are caught even if arrests are made, Wade said.
“Most of them is, one guy runs a Telegram channel, then they will send maybe 10 runners. These people are aware of the risk already,” he added.
“The mastermind never shows up … that’s why it’s hard to crack down on the actual person that also sells it.”