A total of 26 individuals were nabbed for e-vaporiser offences during a series of multi-agency enforcement operations conducted across Singapore’s nightlife scene. The coordinated effort targeted public entertainment outlets such as pubs, bars and KTV lounges between 29 August and 6 September 2025.
Authorities revealed that among those caught, offenders ranged from 17 to 44 years old. More than 30 e-vaporisers and related components were seized during the raids. All 26 were issued on-the-spot fines for possession of e-vaporisers, which remain illegal under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. In addition, a 23-year-old man was arrested separately for suspected drug consumption under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The large-scale operation was led by Police Land Divisions and the Criminal Investigation Department, supported by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Over 160 officers were deployed to conduct checks on more than 500 individuals at 69 outlets island-wide.
Stronger Penalties for Vaping in Singapore
From 1 September 2025, enhanced penalties were rolled out for those caught using or possessing e-vaporisers. Second-time offenders must now undergo mandatory rehabilitation programmes, and failure to complete them could lead to prosecution. Repeat offenders face harsher consequences, including court prosecution and fines of up to $2,000.
HSA’s Assistant Group Director for Vigilance, Compliance and Enforcement, Ms Jessica Teo, stressed that the government is stepping up targeted operations to deter vaping. “We want to send a strong message to vapers to stop vaping now. Those caught will face harsher consequences under the new penalties,” she said.
Crackdown on Etomidate Abuse
The enforcement blitz also comes as etomidate, a substance now listed as a Class C Controlled Drug, was added to the Misuse of Drugs Act from 1 September. First-time abusers may face up to six months of rehabilitation, while repeat offenders will be subjected to stricter supervision, mandatory drug testing and, in some cases, detention at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC).
Importers, sellers and distributors of e-vaporisers containing etomidate face severe criminal penalties, including up to 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane for importers, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment with five strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors.
Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on vaping and controlled drugs underscores the government’s commitment to public health and safety. Authorities have urged the public to avoid purchasing e-vaporisers online or from unlicensed sellers, warning that enforcement operations will continue across entertainment venues and beyond.