A total of 2,428 people were caught and penalised for possessing or using vaporisers in Singapore between 1 April and 30 June 2026.
While that still works out to about 26 people a day, the monthly number caught was significantly lower than before Singapore stepped up its anti-vaping measures.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on 11 August that authorities caught an average of 809 cases a month during the second quarter of 2026.
That was about 30 per cent below the monthly average of 1,219 cases recorded between June and August 2025. Tougher enforcement measures took effect on 1 September 2025.
The Figures Show Fewer People Were Caught, Not Necessarily Fewer People Vaped
The comparison may suggest that the vaping situation has improved since enforcement was tightened.
However, it should be read carefully. These are enforcement figures showing how many offenders authorities detected and penalised. They are not a direct measurement of how many people in Singapore were vaping.
The number caught can also be affected by where checks are conducted, how frequently enforcement operations take place and whether users change their behaviour to avoid detection.
In other words, it is accurate to say the average monthly number caught fell by about 30 per cent. The available figures do not establish that Singapore’s overall vaping rate fell by the same percentage.
457 Cases Involved Etomidate Vapes
Of the 2,428 offenders caught during the quarter, 1,971 were involved with regular vaporisers and 457 were etomidate-vape offenders.
Etomidate is an anaesthetic that has been found in some illegal vape products.
Nine people were charged over the alleged import or supply of etomidate vaporisers during the quarter. Six allegedly belonged to a transnational syndicate, from which authorities seized etomidate vape pods valued at more than S$880,000.
Separately, 14 people were convicted of selling or importing etomidate vape pods during the same period.
Enforcement at Singapore’s air, land and sea checkpoints also resulted in more than 3,900 vaporisers and related components being seized.
245 Students Were Referred to HSA
Schools and institutes of higher learning referred 245 students to HSA for vaping between April and June.
More than 480 youths also received counselling to help them stop smoking or vaping during the quarter.
Across all age groups, 264 offenders were placed on rehabilitation programmes during the three months. Since enforcement was intensified on 1 September 2025, 787 offenders have entered such programmes and 245 have completed them.
QuitVape Will End on 1 September 2026
MOH and HSA also announced that the voluntary QuitVape programme will cease from 1 September 2026.
The programme was introduced in September 2025 as a temporary way for etomidate users to seek help without receiving a penalty or offence record merely for coming forward. A total of 188 people aged between 15 and 44 enrolled from its launch to 30 June 2026.
Those already enrolled before the programme ends will be allowed to complete it.
After 1 September, people seeking help for etomidate abuse may approach the Institute of Mental Health, although the relevant services will be chargeable. Eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents referred through approved channels may receive subsidies.
People seeking help for vaping that does not involve etomidate can continue using the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme or call its QuitLine at 1800 438 2000.
Authorities said people who voluntarily approach these services will not be penalised or given an offence record simply for seeking help. This does not protect someone who is separately caught committing a vaping offence.
