A 26-year-old Singaporean influencer known online as “Mermaid Girl” has been fined S$3,500 after admitting to advertising vape products for sale on Telegram, in yet another high-profile case highlighting Singapore’s tightening crackdown on e-cigarettes and illegal tobacco alternatives.
The influencer, identified as Eunice Joy Ng, pleaded guilty in court to publishing advertisements promoting imitation tobacco products, an offence under Singapore’s tobacco control laws.
According to court proceedings, Ng had reportedly started selling vapes around November 2025 as a way to supplement her income. She purchased five vape devices through Telegram at around S$13 each before reselling some of them for profit.
Authorities said she later used Telegram Stories to promote the products to her followers and subscribers, encouraging interested buyers to submit pre-orders. One of her posts allegedly mentioned setting up a Google Form if demand became high enough.
Telegram Vape Sales Continue To Draw Attention In Singapore
The case has once again placed the spotlight on how social media platforms and messaging apps are increasingly being used for the illegal sale of vape products in Singapore.
Although Singapore maintains one of the strictest anti-vaping policies in the region, authorities continue to encounter underground sales through platforms such as Telegram, Instagram and private online groups.
Court documents reportedly showed that Ng operated under the Telegram account name “Galantis99”, where she attempted to generate interest in the vape sales business.
She eventually sold two vape devices at S$15 each before enforcement action was taken against her.
Ng attended court without legal representation and told the court that the proposed S$4,000 fine sought by prosecutors was “a bit high” for her. She also appealed for leniency, stating that it was her first offence.
However, prosecutors argued that offences involving vape advertising should carry a deterrent sentence because of wider public health concerns, especially involving younger consumers and online influence.
The court ultimately imposed a S$3,500 fine instead. If she had failed to pay the fine, she would have faced a default jail sentence of 10 days.
Singapore Tightens Vape Enforcement Under New Law
Singapore has significantly strengthened its enforcement measures against vape possession, advertising and sales in recent months.
Under the new Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act that took effect from May 1, 2026, vape users can now face fines of up to S$10,000. Sellers and distributors face even harsher penalties, including fines of up to S$200,000 and jail terms of up to six years.
The authorities have repeatedly warned that social media promotions and influencer-driven marketing may encourage vaping among youths and young adults, prompting stricter monitoring of online activity.
Checks reportedly showed that Ng’s Telegram channel was still active as of May 29, with more than 3,200 subscribers.
Singapore has continued to maintain a zero-tolerance stance on vaping products despite rising usage trends globally, with enforcement agencies regularly conducting raids, seizures and investigations linked to online vape syndicates.