A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) national serviceman who was held in custody after being caught on video allegedly vaping on a public bus was released on 2 Aug 2025.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) confirmed investigations remain ongoing into the incident that sparked widespread attention on social media.
Video clips that began circulating on 31 Jul 2025 showed a man in army uniform sitting at the back of a public bus and placing what appeared to be an e-vaporiser device in his mouth. The man was wearing a green army No. 4 uniform without a formation tag.
Mindef identified the individual after reviewing the online footage and placed him in SAF custody to assist with investigations.
SAF Takes Serious View on E-Vaporiser Use by Service Personnel
The SAF maintains strict policies regarding e-vaporiser possession and use among its personnel, treating violations as matters of both military discipline and national law offences.
Service personnel caught possessing or using e-vaporisers face disciplinary action ranging from fines of up to S$1,000 to detention, depending on whether the devices contain controlled substances.
Mindef stated that beyond enforcement measures, the SAF conducts awareness and education programmes while providing cessation counselling and support services. Service personnel requiring assistance are encouraged to speak with their commanders or medical officers.
Singapore’s Ongoing Battle Against Vaping Epidemic
Singapore has intensified efforts to combat the vaping crisis across the nation. Between Jan 2024 and Mar 2025, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized over S$41 million worth of vapes and their components.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed on 20 Jul 2025 that Kpods, or vapes laced with etomidate, comprised one-third of more than 100 randomly tested seized vapes. Several deaths in Singapore, including traffic accidents and unnatural deaths, have been linked to etomidate.
The Ministry of Health, HSA and People’s Association launched the Bin The Vape initiative on 25 Jul 2025. Vape disposal bins were installed at 23 community clubs and one residents’ network centre, allowing users to dispose of devices without facing punishment.
Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam announced on 30 Jul 2025 that the Ministry of Home Affairs will second its officers to HSA for enforcement assistance, including supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers.
The Home Affairs Ministry will list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Currently classified as a poison under the Poisons Act, the reclassification subjects users to supervision and mandatory rehabilitation programmes or commitment to drug rehabilitation centres.
Under Singapore law, individuals found possessing, using or purchasing vapes face fines of up to S$2,000. First-time offenders who import, distribute, sell or offer prohibited tobacco products including vapes can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed up to six months, or both.
Repeat offenders face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
The public can report vaping-related offences through the HSA reporting hotline at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape.
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