Singapore Treats Vaping Like Drugs: Over 3,700 People Caught

Ohana Magazine – SINGAPORE – Authorities have tightened their crackdown on vaping. Between April 1 and June 30, 2025, officers caught and fined more than 3,700 people for owning or using e-cigarettes.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Tuesday (Aug 26) that this number is 20% higher than the previous quarter’s 3,100 offenders.

Raids Across Camps, Schools, and Bases

The Home Team and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) carried out large-scale raids in military camps, training schools, and bases.

The Ministry of Defence explained that officers conducted bag checks and urine tests to detect contraband and illegal substances. Police and the Civil Defence Force also performed inspections at Home Team Academy and Civil Defence Academy during recruit intake day.

Kpods and Etomidate Raise Alarm

A bigger concern is the rise of Kpods, vape liquid containing etomidate, an anesthetic drug.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that Singapore will classify etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act from September 1, treating it as a Class C narcotic.

By August 12, authorities had uncovered 29 cases of etomidate-laced vapes—nine linked to imports or sales, and 20 involving illegal use.

One case involved 41-year-old Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, who produced Kpods at home. A court sentenced him to 16 months in jail on July 17. Four other men, aged 19 to 55, are still under investigation.

Social Media Crackdowns

Between April and June, eight people were fined for posting vaping photos and videos online.

On June 4, officers raided the home of two 18-year-olds after spotting a video of them vaping in a Kallang bicycle shop. They also caught two other men, aged 17 and 29, vaping at the same shop. All four were fined immediately.

Earlier this year, MOH revealed that 15 people had already been fined for similar posts between January 2024 and March 2025. To support enforcement, Singapore launched an online reporting portal in July. The number of public tip-offs has since surged.

Illegal Sales and Smuggling

HSA prosecuted 12 people—eight men and four women aged 17–46—for selling vapes between April and June. Penalties ranged from probation to heavy fines and jail time.

In one major raid, officers seized almost three tons of vapes in Bishan and Ubi. A 21-year-old man now faces trial.

Meanwhile, ICA and HSA uncovered 19 large smuggling cases at land, sea, and air checkpoints, seizing nearly 90,000 devices. Last week alone, border officers confiscated 850 vapes.

Authorities also removed over 2,000 vape ads from e-commerce and social platforms—five times more than the 408 ads removed in the previous quarter.

Treated Like Drugs: Harsher Penalties Ahead

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated in his National Day Rally speech that Singapore will treat vaping like narcotics. He warned of harsher penalties for offenders.

Using or owning a vape: Fine up to S$2,000 (US$1,490 / Rp25.4 million).
Importing or selling vapes: Fine up to S$10,000 (US$7,400 / Rp127 million), jail up to 6 months, or both.
Repeat offenders: Double penalties.
Etomidate vapes (from Sept 1): Up to 2 years jail, fine up to S$10,000, or both.

MOH and HSA added that offenders may also face mandatory rehab, strict supervision, or even caning.

In a firm warning, authorities said: