Griffin G510x Application Note: Detection of Etomidate in Vape Cartridge

Griffin G510x Application Note: Detection of Etomidate in Vape Cartridge

Etomidate is a very short-acting anesthetic that has become an increasingly common drug of abuse worldwide.¹ It is traditionally injected both in medical settings and on the street, but Asia has seen a dramatic rise in etomidate-containing e-cigarettes, nicknamed Kpods.^2-5 These are particularly dangerous due to the high popularity of vapes among young people and the more rapid absorption through inhalation.

Residue from a vape cartridge (Figure 1) was swabbed and the swab tip transferred to methanol. The solution was analyzed on a G510x using a factory-default method. Etomidate was automatically identified (Figure 2). Other portable technologies provided false positive identifications of fentanyl and its analogs, with no etomidate detection.

On-scene detection of e-cigarette contents enables quick and correct medical and operational decisions. The Griffin G510x provides etomidate detection in just over five minutes, in addition to identifying cutting agents and other drugs of abuse.

To learn more about the Griffin G510x visit the product page: Griffin G510x

Figure 1. Level 1 touch displaye for vape contents on G510x.

References

1. News: March 2025 – Increasing detections of etomidate and analogues on illicit drug markets is becoming a global concern. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Announcement/Details/8774c132-4b30-477c-9ceb-46ce384223fd

2. HCM City police arrest 65 in e-cigarette drug ring, including 10 foreigner. vietnamnews.vn. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1796666/hcm-city-police-arrest-65-in-e-cigarette-drug-ring-including-10-foreigner.html

3. T. Ho Chi Minh City police bust 3 etomidate trafficking rings led by Malaysians, Singaporeans. Tuoi tre news. July 31, 2026. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://news.tuoitre.vn/ho-chi-minh-city-police-bust-3-etomidate-trafficking-rings-led-by-malaysianssingaporeans-103260731152000582.htm

4. Singaporean arrested after Jakarta police bust etomidate vape factory: Reports - CNA. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/singaporean-arrested-jakarta-etomidate-kpod-vape-factory-6262771?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_06082026_cna

5. With Malaysia’s drug abuse cases at ‘critical level’ amid rise of Kpods, can it turn the tide? CNA. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-war-drugs-ahmad-zahid-hamidi-kpods-vape-5294426