Press Releases
26 Persons Caught for E-Vaporiser Offences in Island-Wide Multi-Agency Enforcement Operations at Public Entertainment Outlets
Audiences
Consumer
Healthcare professional
Industry member
Product type
Tobacco control
11 September 2025
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26 persons were caught for e-vaporiser related offences, following a series of multi-agency enforcement operations conducted island-wide at public entertainment (PE) outlets such as pubs, bars and KTV lounges from 29 August to 6 September 2025. One man, aged 23, was arrested for other offences.
2 Over the course of one week, a total of eight (8) island-wide multi-agency enforcement operations were conducted by 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 160 officers from the Singapore Police Force, CNB and HSA were deployed to conduct checks on more than 500 persons across 69 PE outlets. The enforcement operations are part of the Whole-of-Government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on vaping.
4 Some illegal activities uncovered were as follows:
A total of 26 persons, aged 17 to 44, were caught for e-vaporiser related offences with more than 30 e-vaporisers and related components seized. All persons were issued fines on the spot for possessing e-vaporisers under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993; and
One man, aged 23, was arrested at one of the PE outlets for suspected drug consumption offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973.
5 “HSA continues to step up enforcement in targeted areas like public entertainment outlets, working closely with the Police and CNB in our whole-of-government effort to tackle the vaping problem. We want to send a strong message to vapers to stop vaping now. Those caught vaping will face harsher consequences including rehabilitation under the enhanced penalties that started from 1 September,” said Ms Jessica Teo, Assistant Group Director, Vigilance, Compliance and Enforcement Cluster, HSA.
Penalties
6 Under the enhanced enforcement regime that came into force on 1 September 2025, individuals found possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporisers now face higher penalties. Second-time offenders will be required to undergo rehabilitation. Those who do not complete the rehabilitation programme will be prosecuted. Offenders caught using e-vaporisers for the third time and more will be prosecuted in court under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 and be liable for a fine of up to $2,000.
7 With the listing of etomidate as a Class C Controlled Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 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 also be arrested and investigated by CNB, which includes being subjected to urine tests. Offenders will be required to undergo 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.
8 Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will also face stiffer penalties. This includes up to 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane for importers, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
11 SEPTEMBER 2025 @ 3PM