A new wave of dangerous vape pods is making its way around Aotearoa, with drug watchdog High Alert warning Kiwis after an anaesthetic drug was found inside multiple illicit vape products.

The sedative etomidate - normally used in hospitals for medical procedures - has been detected in vapes sold under names including Space Oil, K-Pods, Space Vapes, and Eto.

The substance first showed up in January through drug-checking services and has since been seized at the border by New Zealand Customs, with more cases now being reported at clinics across the country.

"These increased detections indicate the potential for a rapid spread of this substance," the warning reads.

"Alongside the potential harm from etomidate itself, there is concern that misrepresentation or adulteration will occur between different vapourable substances, leading to unintentional consumption."

Etomidate vapes in New Zealand have been found to also contain GBL, pregabalin, and traces of ketamine.

According to The Level: "We have also seen these vapes being sold as ‘high dose nicotine’ and ‘liquid ketamine’. In other parts of the world, they are misrepresented as cannabis vapes."

Side effects have ranged from seizures, extreme drowsiness, and breathing difficulties to dangerously low blood sugar levels, with reports of multiple people having already been hospitalised.

Because it’s so hard to measure a safe dose when vaping etomidate, it’s easy to take too much - especially if you keep puffing (redosing).

If someone becomes unresponsive, has seizures, trouble breathing, or chest pain after vaping, call 111 straight away to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

High Alert says: "Be honest about your drug use. You won’t get in trouble, and it could save you or your friend's life."