Five people, including a 15-year-old, were caught for possessing e-vaporisers during enforcement operations in Khatib, Yishun, and Punggol after the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) received public tip-offs about vaping hot spots in these areas.​
The individuals, aged between 15 and 37, were all fined the maximum penalty of $2,000 on the spot.​
HSA identified the vaping hot spots through public feedback submitted via their reporting platforms.​
The agency then conducted targeted enforcement operations in these neighbourhoods.​
Six Vapes Seized, One Suspected Etomidate Pod
Authorities seized a total of six e-vaporisers and related components during the operations.​
One of the seized e-vaporisers is suspected to contain etomidate, a sedative-hypnotic drug.​
The suspected etomidate pod has been sent for further laboratory testing.​
In a separate enforcement action in Punggol, a person under the age of 21 was caught for smoking, reported The Straits Times.​
Enhanced Penalties Now In Effect
Under Singapore’s enhanced enforcement framework, individuals found possessing, using, or purchasing vapes face stricter consequences than before.​
First-time etomidate abusers aged 18 and above will face a fine of $700 and are required to attend rehabilitation for up to six months.​
Repeat offenders will be subjected to investigations, drug tests, and mandatory monitoring for six months, which includes rehabilitation.​
The maximum fine for possession, use, or purchase of e-vaporisers is $2,000 under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.​
Increased Enforcement Nationwide
More than 5,000 frontline enforcement officers from various agencies have been authorised by HSA to enforce against e-vaporiser users, nearly doubling the previous enforcement force.​
Between 1 Sep and 7 Sep 2025, 232 individuals were caught for e-vaporiser-related offences in the first week after enhanced penalties came into force.​
From 1 Apr to 30 Jun 2025, more than 3,700 people were caught and fined for the possession or use of e-vaporisers, representing a 20 per cent increase from the previous quarter.
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