Eighteen individuals, aged between 24 and 48, were caught with e-vaporisers during a two-day enforcement operation led by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on 19 and 20 August. The coordinated checks targeted popular public areas such as Raffles Place, Collyer Quay, Haji Lane and Lorong Telok, locations where vaping has become increasingly common despite strict bans.
According to HSA, officers seized 82 vaping-related items in total, including 62 heatsticks. Some offenders were found puffing openly in designated smoking corners within the Central Business District, while others were discovered carrying devices inside eateries and near office buildings. Groups of individuals were also spotted at Raffles City with vapes in hand.
Those caught had their devices confiscated on the spot and were issued fines. Several offenders were understood to have settled their penalties immediately, while others face further investigations under existing laws.
Strict Laws Against Vaping in Singapore
The use, possession and purchase of vapes remain illegal under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Offenders risk fines of up to $2,000 simply for carrying or using such devices. Meanwhile, those caught importing, distributing or selling e-vaporisers face much steeper consequences — a maximum fine of $10,000, up to six months’ jail, or both, for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may see penalties doubled, with jail terms stretching up to 12 months.
HSA also highlighted the growing problem of Kpods — disposable e-vaporisers laced with etomidate, a substance currently regulated under the Poisons Act. Convictions involving these pods can carry fines of up to $10,000 and jail terms of up to two years. Soon, etomidate will be reclassified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, bringing even harsher punishment for offenders.
Rising Concerns Over Etomidate-Laced Vapes
Once the new law takes effect, individuals caught using etomidate-laced vapes will undergo mandatory supervision and rehabilitation, with repeat users facing mandatory jail terms of at least one year. For traffickers, the consequences are even more severe — selling or importing such substances could lead to imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning.
Authorities have repeatedly warned the public about the dangers of vaping, stressing that beyond legal consequences, the health risks remain significant. With enforcement operations ramping up across Singapore, those who still attempt to use or sell these devices risk not only heavy fines and imprisonment but also permanent criminal records.
Image Source: HSA