Authorities in Singapore have intensified enforcement against vaping across public transport, interchanges and public spaces, with around 60 individuals caught since 18 August.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed on 29 September that officers and Public Transport Operator (PTO) staff are conducting patrols and security checks to detect and deter vaping.
Incident at Bishan MRT station
During a media event at Bishan MRT station on 29 September, a teenager dropped his bag and fled when approached by officers.
Security personnel later discovered an e-vaporiser that had been discarded in nearby bushes.
The commuter returned to collect his bag and admitted ownership of the device. SMRT Trains station manager Muhammad Altamis confiscated the e-vaporiser and referred the case to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Security patrols and detection measures
LTA explained that PTO frontline staff and LTA enforcement officers are authorised to issue notices and seize e-vaporisers, which are then handed to HSA.
Patrols take place across buses, trains, MRT stations and interchanges, supported by security measures including surveillance cameras and random inspections.
Over 90 per cent of detected cases on public transport involved security screening through X-ray machines and walk-through detectors.
According to LTA, visible patrols and coordinated operations aim to maintain “a safe and pleasant commuting environment for everyone.”
Offenders face stronger penalties of up to $2000 fine if they are caught with e-vaporisers during bag checks and/or found vaping.
Stronger penalties from September
From 1 September, Singapore introduced stiffer penalties against vaping and trafficking. Traffickers face caning, while youth offenders are subject to higher fines and compulsory rehabilitation.
Etomidate, a sedative drug, has been reclassified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). This means possession or abuse of etomidate-laced vapes is treated as a drug offence.
First-time offenders aged 18 and above face fines of S$700, while those under 18 will be fined S$500 and required to undergo up to six months of rehabilitation.
Repeat abusers face mandatory supervision, testing and treatment. For those under 16, mandatory supervision of up to one year is prescribed.
Singapore to prosecute citizens for drug-laced vape use abroad under Misuse of Drugs Act
On 22 September, Parliament confirmed that the MDA applies extraterritorially.
Singapore citizens and permanent residents who consume drug-laced vapes abroad may face prosecution domestically.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim told the House that the measure covers etomidate use, ensuring drug offences committed overseas are treated as if committed in Singapore.
Large-scale smuggling attempts intercepted
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reported 76 large-scale smuggling attempts from 15 September 2024 to 14 September 2025, with more than 500,000 vapes and components seized.
On 15 September, officers intercepted 18,400 vapes and 1,400 components at Tuas Checkpoint, marking the largest land checkpoint seizure since enhanced penalties took effect.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime noted in May that organised crime groups are increasingly targeting Asia with drug-laced vapes.
Malaysia’s Health Ministry also reported that over 65 per cent of seized vape liquids in 2023–2024 contained drugs.
Syndicate dismantled in September
The Central Narcotics Bureau dismantled a local syndicate on 10 September, arresting eight individuals in operations across Telok Blangah, Hougang and Boon Lay.
Officers seized more than 400 Kpods and S$22,000 in cash. Testing revealed that many vapes contained etomidate.
In July, authorities reported that one in three vapes seized locally contained traces of the drug.
Rising youth use and online promotion
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said nearly 10,000 cases of vape possession or use were recorded by HSA in the first eight months of 2025, with more than half involving individuals under 25.
Between January and August, over 2,800 online vape advertisements were removed, including listings on messaging platforms.
Joint raids have also been carried out at nightlife venues and institutes of higher learning. Ong highlighted that more than 10,000 officers across multiple agencies are now empowered to enforce vape-related offences.
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