Indian Passenger Arrested at Suvarnabhumi with 6kg of Etomidate
An Indian passenger was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport with 6kg of etomidate, a controlled anesthetic increasingly used in "zombie vapes" that can cause seizures, paralysis and death.
BANGKOK — Thai customs officials have arrested an Indian passenger at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly smuggling around 6kg of etomidate, a controlled substance reportedly used in so-called "zombie vapes." Phanthong Loykulnant, director-general of the Customs Department, said on Sunday that officers from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Office, together with the airport's Investigation and Suppression Division, searched and arrested an Indian male passenger who had travelled from Mumbai, India, to Thailand.
A search revealed Category 2 psychotropic substance etomidate with a total weight of approximately 6,000 grammes including packaging, valued at more than 4.2 million baht. The alleged smuggling violates Thailand's Narcotics Code, the Customs Act of 2017 and other relevant laws.
Etomidate is a short-acting anaesthetic used exclusively in medical settings. It was previously classified as a specially controlled drug before being upgraded in late July 2025 to a Category 2 psychotropic substance, listed in the same category as ketamine. Authorities have raised concerns about its alleged use in e-cigarette liquids, sometimes referred to as "zombie vapes" or "K vapes."
The substance can affect the brain rapidly, initially causing a dream-like state, detachment from reality and euphoria. However, consuming large amounts can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, temporary paralysis and respiratory depression, potentially leading to unconsciousness, shock or death. The Customs Department warned the public and young people about the serious, potentially life-threatening dangers associated with e-cigarettes containing such substances.
