The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has reported a notable increase in incidents related to vaping activities across Singapore, with more than 2,500 such reports made in the first half of 2025 alone. This figure represents a “significant increase” when compared to the over 3,000 reports received for the entirety of the previous year, 2024, indicating a clear rise in public feedback concerning vaping-related offenses. The HSA announced these figures on Sunday, July 20, underlining the growing prevalence of this issue.
The HSA is set to launch a new online reporting form. This dedicated form will go live on Monday, July 21, providing the public with an easier and more structured way to report illegal vaping activities they encounter. Furthermore, to enhance its operational capabilities in tackling these offenses, the Tobacco Regulation Branch will be extending its operational hours. Starting soon, the branch will be reachable seven days a week, including public holidays, from 9 AM to 9 PM, via phone numbers 6684 2036 or 6684 2037.
The HSA is actively encouraging members of the public who possess information regarding vaping activities to come forward and provide as much detail as possible. Useful information includes specifics about suspected users, sellers, or distributors. If available and safe to obtain, photographs or videos of the offender’s face are particularly helpful. Other crucial details to include in reports are the exact location, date, and time when the incident occurred, along with any other pertinent information that could assist investigations. The HSA has confirmed its commitment to investigate all vaping-related reports it receives thoroughly. Any e-vaporisers and their components that are seized, especially if they are suspected of containing illegal substances such as etomidate or controlled drugs, will undergo rigorous testing to confirm their content.
On July 11, the HSA successfully apprehended a 21-year-old man who was allegedly distributing vapes and various components in the Bishan and Ubi areas. This operation resulted in the seizure of almost three tonnes of vapes, and the man was subsequently charged in court on July 14. In another case from May, HSA conducted raids on the homes of two 16-year-old boys who were suspected of vaping while inside a private-hire car. During the raid, one of the boys was found to have 54 pods and three vapes at his residence. Worryingly, some of these seized items tested positive for etomidate, which is a fast-acting anesthetic known to have severe adverse effects on health. Both teenagers are currently assisting authorities with ongoing investigations.
One case involved a 58-year-old man who was filmed shaking uncontrollably on a public road while holding a vape. Upon questioning, he admitted to vaping and was subsequently fined. In another instance, a 24-year-old man was identified, and two vapes were seized from him after he was filmed vaping inside a lift at Sim Lim Square, with the video later being posted across social media platforms. The HSA specifically noted a “considerable increase” in social media postings that depict public vaping, highlighting that such content now serves as an additional valuable source of surveillance data for their enforcement teams.
In Singapore, the legal stance on vapes is clear and strict: the purchase, possession, and use of e-vaporisers are completely prohibited. This prohibition extends to include online purchases and even items acquired overseas. Individuals found guilty of possessing or using vapes can face fines of up to S$2,000. For those involved in more serious offenses, such as importing, distributing, selling, or offering vapes or their components for sale, the penalties are much stiffer. Offenders in these categories can be fined up to S$10,000, face imprisonment for up to six months, or both. For subsequent offenses, these penalties are doubled. Moreover, individuals found to be in possession of or using pods that contain etomidate may face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. If offenders are found to be involved with controlled drugs, their cases will be referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau. Those dealing with or possessing e-vaporisers containing etomidate will also face even higher penalties under the Poisons Act.
