176 People Caught in ZoukOut 2023 for Possessing Vapes

ZoukOut 2023: 176 Caught with Vapes, Marking a Strict Enforcement at the 20th Anniversary Festival

In a bold move, 176 individuals opted to risk it all rather than surrendering their vapes for free gifts – and they were caught.

On 2 & 3 Dec 2023, Siloso Beach in Sentosa played host to ZoukOut 2023, an electrifying electronic dance music festival.

This year marked a significant milestone, being the 20th edition of ZoukOut, which naturally drew larger crowds eager to join in the celebrations.

In a unique twist, ZoukOut 2023 was reimagined as the first-ever day-to-night festival.

True to ZoukOut’s legacy, this edition was anchored by high-profile DJs.

The lineup boasted big names like Martin Garrix, Alesso, FISHER, and other renowned DJs, maintaining the festival’s reputation for stellar performances.

Attendees, having shelled out nearly $200 for a two-day ticket, arrived with high expectations of a memorable night of revelry.

However, they weren’t the only ones with a keen interest in the event. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) had its sights set on ZoukOut 2023, aiming to enforce Singapore’s strict ban on e-vapourisers.

Unfortunately, the festival ended on a sour note for 176 individuals caught in possession of e-vapourisers.

These offenders, aged between 18 to 51, now face fines for their actions.

The HSA swiftly confiscated all seized e-vapourisers.

So, what are the repercussions of these actions?

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, engaging in the possession, use, or purchase of e-vaporisers is deemed illegal and can result in a fine of up to $2000.

Moreover, those found guilty of selling, offering for sale, possessing for sale, importing, or distributing e-vapourisers face even harsher penalties.

For a first offence, they could be fined up to $10,000, face imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Repeat offenders risk a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, for the second or subsequent offence.

The dangers of vaping are well-documented: it can damage the lungs, brain, and heart, leading to a host of issues including injuries, inflammation, and slowed brain development.

Vapers also face a fivefold increase in the risk of heart attacks.

For context, a standard cigarette contains between 8mg to 20mg of nicotine, averaging around 12mg.

In stark contrast, a single vape pod can pack up to 70mg of nicotine.

Perhaps if the partygoers had opted for smoked chickens instead of vapes, the night would have been not only safer but also a tad bit more.. delicious.