195 Persons Caught for E-vaporiser Offences in Island-wide Multi-agency Enforcement Operations at Public Entertainment Outlets; E-vaporisers from Six Tested to Contain Etomidate

195 persons were caught for e-vaporiser related offences, following a series of multi-agency enforcement operations conducted at public entertainment outlets such as pubs, bars and KTV lounges island-wide from 15 August to 23 August 2025. Another 10 men and three women, aged 19 to 47, were arrested for other offences.

2     Over the course of two weeks, a total of 16 island-wide multi-agency enforcement operations were conducted by all seven Police Land Divisions and Criminal Investigation Department, supported by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

3     More than 270 officers from the Singapore Police Force, CNB and HSA were deployed to conduct checks on more than 1,600 persons across 151 public entertainment outlets. The enforcement operations are part of the Home Team’s ongoing efforts to support the Whole-of-Government’s efforts to crack down on vaping.

4     The illegal activities uncovered during the operations include:

1. A total of 195 persons, aged 17 to 61, were caught for e-vaporiser related offences with more than 340 e-vaporisers and related components seized. 11 pods seized from six persons were subsequently tested to contain etomidate. All persons were issued fines for possessing e-vaporisers under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. The six persons found with etomidate-containing pods will also be investigated for possession of etomidate under the Poisons Act 1938.

2. Nine men, aged 19 to 47, were arrested at public entertainment outlets for being suspected members of unlawful societies under the Societies Act 1966.

3. Two women, aged 35 and 36, were arrested at the public entertainment outlets in Geylang for being an overstayer under the Immigration Act 1959 and for failure to furnish particulars under the National Registration Act 1965 respectively.

4. A 26-year-old man and 32-year-old woman were arrested after being found to be wanted by the Police.

5     With the listing of etomidate as a Class C Controlled Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 (MDA) taking effect from 1 September 2025, etomidate abusers will face stiffer penalties, including having to attend rehabilitation for up to six months if it is their first offence. Second-time offenders will be arrested. They will be investigated by CNB. Second-time offenders will be subjected to mandatory supervision for six months which includes drug testing and rehabilitation. Offenders who do not complete their rehabilitation programmes may be prosecuted in court. Third-time offenders who are 16 years and above will be admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) for treatment and rehabilitation under MDA. They will undergo rehabilitation programme in the DRC and subsequently undergo drug testing and supervision for 12 months. Those under 16 years will be subjected to mandatory supervision in the community for 12 months.

6     Director of Operations Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Leon Chan said, “The Police has regularly referred e-vaporisers seized and vaping offenders encountered in the course of our response to law-and-order incidents to HSA and will continue doing so. In addition, in support of the Whole-of-Government’s efforts, the Police will continue to work with HSA and other law enforcement agencies for joint enforcement operations at public entertainment outlets, where police officers will continue to proactively look out for e-vaporisers and etomidate e-vaporisers.”

7.     “This operation demonstrates the commitment and resolve of the government in tackling the vaping problem. HSA will continue to work closely with the Police and CNB in targeted enforcement operations to combat vaping in Singapore. Of particular concern is the etomidate e-vaporisers seized, which can pose serious health risks to those who use them. With the enhanced penalty framework taking effect on 1 September, those caught engaging in illegal e-vaporisers activities will face harsher consequences including rehabilitation, mandatory supervision or even admission into the Drug Rehabilitation Centre for third time offenders onwards,” said Ms Jessica Teo, Assistant Group Director, Vigilance, Compliance and Enforcement Cluster, HSA.

SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY

31 AUGUST 2025

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