Singapore’s authorities tightened the screws on vaping in nightlife venues, announcing that 195 people were caught for e-vaporiser–related offences over a two-week enforcement drive that also led to the seizure of more than 340 vaping devices and related components.
In the series of operations, 16 enforcement raids targeted pubs, bars and KTV lounges, carried out by officers from the police, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). More than 270 officers checked over 1,600 individuals across 151 public entertainment outlets, underscoring the combined effort of Singapore’s Home Team to curb vaping in these venues.
Officials stressed that the crackdown is part of ongoing government efforts to stem vaping and its health risks. The offenders ranged in age from 17 to 61. Among the seizures were 11 vaping pods from six people, which were later found to contain etomidate, a substance now treated as a Class C controlled drug starting Sept 1 under new regulations.
All individuals caught for possessing e-vaporisers received fines. Those linked to etomidate-containing pods face additional investigations for possessing the drug itself. In related actions, nine men aged 19 to 47 were arrested on suspicions of being part of unlawful societies, and two women, aged 35 and 36, were detained in Geylang—one for overstaying and the other for failing to furnish particulars. Authorities also detained a 26-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman who were sought by the police.
The crackdown comes as vaping remains noticeable despite intensified security around clubs and bars. The new regime announced for Sept 1 imposes tougher penalties on vape abusers: rehabilitation requirements could stretch up to six months for first offenders, with mandatory monitoring and drug testing on subsequent offences. Second-time offenders face arrest plus six months of supervised rehabilitation, and third-time offenders (aged 16 and above) may be admitted to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre for treatment, followed by extended monitoring. For those under 16, mandatory community supervision will apply for a year.
Fines are also set to rise from Sept 1, with penalties increasing to $500 for those under 18 and $700 for adults, up from $300 and $500 previously.
Earlier in August, a separate enforcement blitz at nightspots islandwide led to 115 people being caught for vaping offences, including five arrests for possessing Kpods—etomidate-laced vapes.
Public health and safety officials urge anyone who suspects vaping offences to report them to the Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 (9am–9pm daily), or online at go.gov.sg/reportvape. For tips or to share stories about vaping, readers can contact the newsroom via the provided channels.
What this means going forward is a reinforced message that Singapore will actively pursue enforcement against illegal vaping in public venues, while the accompanying regulatory changes emphasize rehab and supervision as core components of tackling substance misuse. The ongoing alignment of enforcement and public health aims to protect especially younger patrons and curb the spread of illegal, potentially harmful vaping products.
Summary: A targeted, multi-agency crackdown on vaping at entertainment venues resulted in hundreds of checks, hundreds of devices seized, and multiple arrests, with escalating penalties and rehabilitation requirements taking effect in September. This approach signals a sustained effort to reduce vaping activity in public spaces and to deter those involved in illicit nicotine or drug-related vape products. If you or someone you know needs help with vaping-related issues, consider reaching out to local health or rehabilitation services for guidance.