On 22/7, Ho Chi Minh City Police's Drug Crime Investigation Department (PC04) arrested Duy and 48 others, including four foreign nationals from South Korea, China, and Cambodia. They are under investigation for illegal drug trafficking and organizing illegal drug use.
Investigators stated Etomidate was disguised as e-cigarettes, commonly known as "chill pods." Based on intelligence about Nguyen Huu Huan (27), nicknamed "Ba Gia," who was suspected of supplying these pods in An Lac ward (formerly Binh Tan district), police launched a special investigation.
Huan's testimony led the task force to uncover key links in the ring, including a branch operated by Duy. Duy allegedly received drug-laced chill pods directly from Cambodia, transporting them through unofficial border crossings in An Giang province before bringing them to Ho Chi Minh City for distribution.
Police also arrested Han Kiat, a Cambodian national, who allegedly specialized in supplying these products to foreign customers.
The task force confiscated 1,670 Etomidate-containing pods and other exhibits.
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Le Quoc Duy, a suspect in supplying chill pods from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*
The 'invisible' drug trap targeting youth
Ho Chi Minh City Police warned that, had they not been detected, these pods could have infiltrated bars, karaoke venues, apartments, guesthouses, and even areas with high concentrations of students, posing a significant risk to public health.
Etomidate, originally a medical anesthetic, was mixed into e-cigarette liquid. Since 19/1, this substance has been classified as a narcotic.
Etomidate-containing pods were often advertised with slogans like "won't show up on a drug test" or "not a drug," creating a false sense of security for users.
Once inhaled, Etomidate rapidly enters the bloodstream and affects the brain. Initially, users might feel relaxed and euphoric, mistakenly believing it is just a potent e-cigarette. However, symptoms such as deep drowsiness, impaired cognition, lack of concentration, slow reflexes, dizziness, slurred speech, and unsteady gait can quickly follow.
In severe cases, the substance can cause confusion, disorientation (spatial and temporal), seizures, impaired consciousness, respiratory depression, hypotension, and even death.
The risks intensify when used with alcohol or sedatives. Repeated use can also suppress adrenal gland function, leading to severe disorders.
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Suspects arrested in the drug ring. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*
Negative drug tests do not rule out drug presence
Ho Chi Minh City Police stated that most rapid drug tests are designed to screen only for traditional drug groups.
Therefore, a negative result does not mean the body is free of drugs, nor does it prove the consumed product is harmless or legal.
Authorities are now equipped with forensic systems capable of accurately detecting Etomidate in biological samples and exhibits.
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Various forms of chill pods confiscated by police. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police*
Quoc Thang
