The use of a liquid narcotic known as “Happy Pods” is reportedly increasing among young people in Shan State, despite a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes earlier this year.

On February 18, 2026, the regime’s Ministry of Health declared e-cigarettes and related accessories illegal, warning that users and sellers could face legal action. However, local sources say the ban has had little visible impact, with vaping products still widely available and a shift toward stronger substances now emerging.

According to interviews with residents and users, “Happy Pods”—a liquid drug consumed through e-cigarette devices—are becoming more common, particularly in nightlife settings.

“Happy Pods are not like regular e-cigarettes,” a 20-year-old user told SHAN. “They are much stronger and highly addictive. They cost at least 200,000 kyats, and the effects are more intense than other drugs.”

Local accounts describe Happy Pods as a mixture of substances, reportedly including MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, diazepam, and ketamine, dissolved into a liquid form that can be inhaled using vape devices. SHAN has not independently verified these claims.

The products are said to be widely used in bars, karaoke lounges (KTVs), and clubs across southern and eastern Shan State, where young people are increasingly exposed to synthetic drugs.

“Someone I know who works at a KTV in Tachileik is addicted,” said a woman in her 20s. “They told me they can’t function without it. It seems harder to quit than regular vaping.”

Despite the official ban, residents report that e-cigarettes, pods, and related supplies continue to be sold openly, including through online platforms, suggesting limited enforcement.

Sources say many of these products are imported, with vaping devices coming from countries such as China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, while so-called Happy Pods are believed to originate in China. These claims could not be independently verified.

Since the 2021 military coup, drug use in parts of Shan State has reportedly increased, particularly in urban nightlife areas. Substances such as ketamine, ecstasy, and “Happy Water” are said to be widely available, raising concerns among residents about addiction and public health risks.

Local observers warn that without effective enforcement and prevention measures, the spread of synthetic drugs among youth is likely to continue, with serious long-term consequences.