Teen plunged to death after 'addiction to zombie vapes' spiralled out of control

Daily Mirror

7 hours ago

Delfard Tay is convinced his daughter Shermaine, 19, was killed by the highly addictive vapes known as "Kpods," which are often laced with ketamine and other substances
A devastated father has recalled his daughter's harrowing final moments before plunging to her death after struggling with an addiction to drug -laced vapes.
‌
Delfard Tay stood helplessly over his only child as she vomited uncontrollably, a terrifying sign that her addiction had spiralled beyond control.
‌
Just days later, 19-year-old Shermaine was dead. It comes after the tragic cause of death for 'The Girl Who Never Ate is revealed.
‌
When Delfard replayed the CCTV footage of his daughter stumbling like a zombie before falling to her death from their apartment block, he immediately knew what had caused it: drug-laced vapes known as "Kpods."
The Singaporean father told The Sun how Shermaine had been hooked on the highly addictive vapes for nearly a year. Kpods, often laced with ketamine and other substances, are named for the trance-like, zombie state they induce - particularly among young users.
Reports from across Southeast Asia describe teenagers as young as 13 collapsing or behaving violently after using the vapes. Despite Singapore's notoriously strict drug laws - where some offenses carry the death penalty - the use of Kpods has exploded.
Even the UK has seen a rise in vapes tainted with drugs like ketamine, Spice, and Xylazine ("Tranq"). One alarming study found that one in six vapes confiscated from schoolchildren in England contained the synthetic drug Spice.
Shermaine, described by her father as a bright, cheerful child who dreamed of becoming a TikTok influencer, fell into addiction after trying the vapes with friends. As her dependency worsened, Delfard says she became unrecognisable - vomiting constantly, convulsing, and speaking in repeated loops.
‌
The breaking point came on September 22 last year. At 4am, Delfard received a devastating call from his aunt. Shermaine had been found dead at the base of their apartment building in Tanjong Pagar.
Later, when Delfard reviewed the security footage from that night, he saw his daughter stumbling and shaking as she left the apartment. Her phone was later found on the 18th floor, confirming his worst fears.
'She was under the influence,' he said. 'The way she walked, the way she moved… it was the same as before, when she was high on Kpods.'
‌
Authorities ruled her death a suicide, though no note was found. Delfard remains convinced her fatal fall was the result of drug use.
Delfard also recalled the arguments they had in her final days, particularly one incident where she vomited throughout the house. When confronted, Shermaine denied using drugs.
But the security footage told a different story, as her body trembled and her movements appeared erratic.
‌
Social services in Singapore have reported numerous similar cases involving young users of Kpods. Common symptoms include confusion, aggression, disorientation, and sudden collapse.
According to Addictions Recovery Singapore, vape liquids are often laced with potent substances like ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids - often without the user's knowledge.
‌
A major concern is etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic commonly found in Kpods. Although it can severely affect behaviour and consciousness, it often goes undetected in routine drug tests.
Dealers advertise this on Telegram, telling buyers they won't get caught because etomidate falls under Singapore's Poisons Act, not its drug laws.
Shermaine had been undergoing weekly urine tests, but no drugs were ever detected - another reason Delfard believes she felt safe continuing to vape.
‌
The Kpod crisis has also affected Delfard's friend, who admitted to him that he was using Kpods. Describing his friend's zombie-like behaviour while using the vape, he said: "He just cannot stand well, and his leg is shaking."
Delfard said he also witnessed another person "drop backwards" while smiling after using them.
'It's mostly teenagers using these,' he said. 'And many parents still don't realise what Kpods are. They just think their kids are vaping nicotine.'
‌
Recent government testing confirmed that 1 in 3 seized vapes contained etomidate. Health officials warned that while vapes are often assumed to contain only nicotine, they are now being used to deliver powerful psychoactive substances - and even hard drugs.
Delfard is now calling for more support systems to be put in place for struggling youth.
'The government needs to set up help centres for teenagers,' he urged. 'But more importantly, parents need to stay involved in their children's lives. They need to understand what's really going on.'