Singapore’s crackdown on vaping continues to intensify, with authorities reporting a sharp rise in offenders caught in recent months. Between April and June 2025, more than 3,700 people were penalised for possessing or using e-vaporisers, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This marked a near 20 per cent jump from the previous quarter’s 3,100 cases.
The authorities revealed that 31 individuals, aged between 19 and 64, were prosecuted after failing to settle their fines. As a result, 27 of them were jailed for one to seven days. HSA stressed that offenders who ignore their composition fines risk harsher punishments, including heavier fines or imprisonment.
At the same time, enforcement against sellers remains firm. Twelve people – eight men and four women – were charged for distributing vaping products, with some cases involving large-scale raids. In one high-profile incident, a 21-year-old man was caught distributing vapes in Bishan and Ubi. Raids uncovered nearly 3,000kg of products, and the suspect was subsequently charged in court.
Border Security and Online Sales Targeted
Smuggling attempts have also been on the rise. Between April and June, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) worked with HSA to intercept 19 large-scale smuggling operations, seizing around 90,000 vaping products. Offenders face prosecution, while transport companies and drivers involved in such operations are also held accountable. Foreign nationals convicted of these offences will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore.
The online marketplace remains another battleground. Authorities identified and removed over 2,000 online vape listings – a fivefold increase compared to the 408 listings taken down in the previous quarter. Social media was not spared either; eight people were fined for posting photos and videos of themselves vaping, with HSA swiftly moving to remove such content.
Etomidate Vapes: A Growing Threat
Adding to the concerns, HSA reported 29 cases involving vapes containing the drug etomidate. These “kpods” have raised alarm due to their potential health risks. As of September 2025, etomidate will be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Offenders can expect stiffer penalties, including jail time, fines of up to S$10,000, and even caning in serious cases.
Under current laws, the possession, purchase, or use of e-vaporisers carries a maximum fine of S$2,000. Meanwhile, importing or selling such devices can result in fines of up to S$10,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties.
Authorities have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance, urging the public to stay away from vaping and reminding those fined to make prompt payment to avoid harsher consequences.