Nearly 18,000 people caught for possession and use of vapes over 15 months: HSA, MOH
Close to 18,000 people were caught between January 2024 and March 2025 for the possession and use of e-vaporisers after the authorities stepped up enforcement efforts.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Ministry of Health said in a joint statement on May 16 that e-vaporisers and related components worth more than $41 million were seized in the course of the 15 months.
HSA also led 50 successful operations against large-scale syndicates that dealt in such products. It prosecuted 27 offenders - 20 men and seven women aged between 20 and 46 - for failing to pay their composition fines, and took another 60 people to court for selling e-vaporisers.
Those who failed to pay on time for their vaping offences faced harsher penalties, such as higher fines or longer jail sentences, said the authorities.
The group of 60 includes two people linked to an e-vaporiser syndicate case that involved more than $5 million worth of the devices.
Ivan Sin was fined $16,000 and given 10 months' jail, while Toh Wee Leong was fined $14,000 and given the same jail term. These are the harshest sentences given to offenders for smuggling e-vaporisers so far, said the authorities.
A key figure of another syndicate linked to a case that involved more than $6.5 million worth of e-vaporisers was nabbed in October 2024, and investigations are ongoing.
During the 15-month period, 101 people were caught with e-vaporisers during checks involving 20,800 travellers at air, land and sea checkpoints by HSA and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers.
HSA is also working more closely with local e-commerce and social media platforms to take down online listings offering e-vaporisers.
More than 6,800 online listings of vapes and related components were removed during the period, more than double the 3,100 listings removed in 2023, said the authorities.
Another 15 people were identified and fined for posting photos or videos of e-vaporisers on social media accounts.
On the education front, schools and institutes of higher learning (IHLs) also stepped up efforts to reinforce the anti-vaping message and importance of maintaining a nicotine-free lifestyle, the statement said.
It said: "From January 2024 to March 2025, nearly 118,500 students from schools and IHLs were engaged through educational skits, peer-led initiatives and outreach activities aimed at raising awareness about the harms of vaping.
"About 2,600 students were referred to HSA by schools and IHLs for vaping."
For students caught vaping, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) offers cessation support via tele-counselling service QuitLine, and on-site counselling by student health advisers in some schools.
Nearly 1,800 youth received counselling over the course of the 15 months.
HPB and the Ministry of Education will soon start a year-long virtual cessation counselling pilot for all secondary schools, slated to kick off in July, the statement said.
Those found guilty of possessing, using or buying e-vaporisers can be fined up to $2,000. Those who import, distribute, sell or offer e-vaporisers and related components for sale can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both, for the first offence.
Those who have been caught vaping are reminded to pay their fines promptly, said HSA, adding that those who fail to pay before the due date will face harsher consequences if they are prosecuted in court.
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CNA
30-05-2025
- CNA
Rise in vaping cases this year involving etomidate, a fast-acting anaesthetic, says HSA
SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is closely monitoring the use of e-vaporisers, or vapes, to consume etomidate, a fast-acting anaesthetic used in medical procedures. More than 20 cases involving etomidate have been detected so far this year, compared to 5 cases for the whole of last year, according to the statutory board. Vape products laced with etomidate are often called "kpods", 'zombie vapes' and 'space oil'. HSA warned that inhaling it directly into the lungs can cause side effects like spasms, breathing issues and seizures. The statutory board added that the sedative is meant to be used under supervision in hospitals for medical procedures. Etomidate is classified as a poison and those found possessing or using pods containing it are liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to two years and/or fine up to S$10,000 (US$7,747) under the Poisons Act. 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Adjunct Associate Professor Puah Ser Hon, head of Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, said that the growing number of youths vaping is a concern. 'They're still developing, their lungs are growing, their brain(s) are growing, but all the chemicals that they inhale through the vapes actually stunt them,' he added. Assoc Prof Puah said that users of vapes also face potential illnesses such as cancer and chronic lung diseases. One such lung condition caused by vaping is a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, which experts believe is caused by diacetyl, a chemical widely found in vapes. It is commonly added by manufacturers to complement the flavours of vape liquids. When inhaled, it can cause the tiny air sacs in the lungs to scar. Over time, the scarring builds up, causing a narrowing of the airway, which can lead to coughing, wheezing or even respiratory failure. The condition can be treated but not cured, said Dr Loh. In extreme cases, patients may require a lung transplant but the procedure does not guarantee survival and quality of life will be reduced, she added. Both doctors debunked the belief that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. Dr Loh said that despite e-vaporisers being a relatively new product, its harms are already well-documented, and Assoc Prof Puah said it is not true that secondhand vapour is less disruptive than secondhand smoke. He added that smoke particles, which are exhaled through vaping, could land on clothing or the environment and be inhaled by other people as a form of third-hand smoke. ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION Ms Jessica Teo, assistant group director at HSA's Vigilance, Compliance and Enforcement Cluster, said that the statutory board has intensified its operations, both physically and online, to disrupt vape distribution networks. 'We have also strengthened border controls with the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority, and we have increased our enforcement presence in places, in public spaces where vaping is prevalent,' said Ms Teo. "Definitely it is of concern, and we are … monitoring this very closely. Now it is etomidate. Tomorrow it could be another substance,' she added. HSA said its officers are scanning through online platform s looking for illegal sellers of vaping devices and signs of other offences. Specialised systems automatically scan the internet 24/7 for suspicious listings, up to 10 advertisements per minute, according to HSA, adding that authorities then work with online platforms to take down listings. More than 6,800 online listings of vapes and related components were removed from January 2024 to March 2025, more than double the 3,100 listings removed in 2023, said HSA. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Ministry of Education said they will launch a year-long online counselling programme in all secondary schools in July, aimed at helping students quit smoking and vaping. Private venues are also doing their part. Zouk Group said anyone caught with illegal products, including vapes, will be referred to the authorities. 'It's just something that we don't tolerate at all. We want to make sure that, within the environment that we provide for our customers, that none of that is present in our venues,' said the nightclub's group marketing director Mr Roman Kibe. HELP IS AVAILABLE Authorities said that help is available for those addicted to vaping and they will not get in trouble for seeking it. Programmes like HPB's I Quit offer support, and any personal admissions made during counselling stay confidential. Assoc Prof Puah said that professional medical help is also available for anyone seeking help with nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms. '(At) all the hospitals, the polyclinics … There are people out there ready to help. In the National Healthcare Group … you can just walk in and seek consultation, and somebody will guide you through the process,' he added.
New Paper
17-05-2025
- New Paper
Nearly 18,000 people caught for possession and use of vapes over 15 months: HSA, MOH
Close to 18,000 people were caught between January 2024 and March 2025 for the possession and use of e-vaporisers after the authorities stepped up enforcement efforts. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Ministry of Health said in a joint statement on May 16 that e-vaporisers and related components worth more than $41 million were seized in the course of the 15 months. HSA also led 50 successful operations against large-scale syndicates that dealt in such products. It prosecuted 27 offenders - 20 men and seven women aged between 20 and 46 - for failing to pay their composition fines, and took another 60 people to court for selling e-vaporisers. Those who failed to pay on time for their vaping offences faced harsher penalties, such as higher fines or longer jail sentences, said the authorities. The group of 60 includes two people linked to an e-vaporiser syndicate case that involved more than $5 million worth of the devices. Ivan Sin was fined $16,000 and given 10 months' jail, while Toh Wee Leong was fined $14,000 and given the same jail term. These are the harshest sentences given to offenders for smuggling e-vaporisers so far, said the authorities. A key figure of another syndicate linked to a case that involved more than $6.5 million worth of e-vaporisers was nabbed in October 2024, and investigations are ongoing. During the 15-month period, 101 people were caught with e-vaporisers during checks involving 20,800 travellers at air, land and sea checkpoints by HSA and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers. HSA is also working more closely with local e-commerce and social media platforms to take down online listings offering e-vaporisers. More than 6,800 online listings of vapes and related components were removed during the period, more than double the 3,100 listings removed in 2023, said the authorities. Another 15 people were identified and fined for posting photos or videos of e-vaporisers on social media accounts. On the education front, schools and institutes of higher learning (IHLs) also stepped up efforts to reinforce the anti-vaping message and importance of maintaining a nicotine-free lifestyle, the statement said. It said: "From January 2024 to March 2025, nearly 118,500 students from schools and IHLs were engaged through educational skits, peer-led initiatives and outreach activities aimed at raising awareness about the harms of vaping. "About 2,600 students were referred to HSA by schools and IHLs for vaping." For students caught vaping, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) offers cessation support via tele-counselling service QuitLine, and on-site counselling by student health advisers in some schools. Nearly 1,800 youth received counselling over the course of the 15 months. HPB and the Ministry of Education will soon start a year-long virtual cessation counselling pilot for all secondary schools, slated to kick off in July, the statement said. Those found guilty of possessing, using or buying e-vaporisers can be fined up to $2,000. Those who import, distribute, sell or offer e-vaporisers and related components for sale can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both, for the first offence. Those who have been caught vaping are reminded to pay their fines promptly, said HSA, adding that those who fail to pay before the due date will face harsher consequences if they are prosecuted in court.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Straits Times
Nearly 18,000 people caught for possession and use of vapes over 15 months: HSA, MOH
HSA and MOH said e-vaporisers and other components worth more than $41 million were seized in the course of these 15 months. PHOTO: ST FILE Nearly 18,000 people caught for possession and use of vapes over 15 months: HSA, MOH SINGAPORE - Close to 18,000 people were caught between January 2024 and March 2025 for the possession and use of e-vaporisers after the authorities stepped up enforcement efforts. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Ministry of Health (MOH), in a joint statement on May 16, said e-vaporisers and other components worth more than $41 million were seized in the course of these 15 months. HSA also led 50 successful operations against large scale syndicates that deal with such products. It prosecuted 27 offenders - 20 men and seven women aged between 20 and 46 - for failing to pay their composition fines, and took another 60 people to court for selling e-vaporisers. Those who failed to pay on time for their vaping offences faced harsher penalties, such as higher fines or longer jail sentences, said the authorities. The group of 60 includes two people linked to an e-vaporiser syndicate case that involved mo re than $5 million worth of e-vaporisers. Ivan Sin was fined $16,000 and given 10 months' jail , while Toh Wee Leong was fined $ 14,000 and given the same jail term. These are the harshest sentences given to offenders for smuggling e-vaporisers so far, said the authorities. A key figure of another syndicate linked to a case that involves more than $6.5 million worth of e-vaporisers was nabbed in October 2024 , and investigations are ongoing. During these 15 months, 101 people were caught with e-vaporisers during checks involving 20,800 travellers at air, land, and sea checkpoints by HSA and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers. HSA is also working more closely with local e-commerce and social media platforms to take down online listings offering e-vaporisers. More than 6,800 online listings of vapes and related components were removed during the period, more than double the 3,100 listings removed in 2023 , said the authorities. Another 15 people were identified and fined for posting photos or videos of e-vaporisers on social media accounts. On the education front, schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) also stepped up efforts to reinforce the anti-vaping message and importance of maintaining a nicotine-free lifestyle, the statement said. It said: 'From January 2024 to March 2025, nearly 118,500 students from schools and IHLs were engaged through educational skits, peer-led initiatives, and outreach activities aimed at raising awareness about the harms of vaping. 'About 2,600 students were referred to HSA by schools and IHLs for vaping.' For students caught vaping, the Health Promotion Board offers cessation support via tele-counselling service QuitLine, and onsite counselling by student health advisors in some schools. Nearly 1,800 youths received counselling over the course of the 15 months. HPB and MOE will soon start a year-long virtual cessation counselling pilot for all secondary schools, slated to kick off in July, the statement said. Those found guilty of possessing, using, or buying e-vaporisers can be fined up to $ 2,000 . Those who import, distribute, sell, or offer e-vaporisers and related components for sale can be fined up to $ 10,000 , jailed up to six months, or both, for the first offence. Those who have been caught vaping are reminded to promptly pay their fines, said HSA, adding that those who fail to pay before the due date will face harsher consequences if they are prosecuted in court. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
