Singapore Steps Up Vape Crackdown After National Day, 18 Arrested in Two-Day HSA Operation

Key Points：

• 18 arrests: Individuals aged 24 to 48 detained for vape-related offences.
• 82 devices seized: Including 62 heated tobacco sticks.
• Rising seizures: From January 2024 to March 2025, HSA confiscated S$41 million worth of vapes.
• Drug-linked vapes: Etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act, targeting Kpod devices.
• International cooperation: HSA working with Hong Kong, and hiring new investigators to combat vape crimes.

According to The Straits Times on August 20, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) carried out a two-day sting operation in Raffles Place and Haji Lane, seizing 82 e-vaporisers, including 62 heated tobacco sticks, and arresting 18 individuals aged between 24 and 48. Under Singapore law, anyone caught vaping faces a maximum fine of S$2,000 (US$1,554).

Although Singapore has banned vapes since 2018, seizures and offences have continued to climb. Data shows that from January 2024 to March 2025, the HSA confiscated S$41 million (US$31.78 million) worth of vaping products—nearly five times the total value seized from 2019 to 2023. During the same period, more than 17,900 people were caught for possessing or using e-vaporisers.

In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government would take much tougher action against vaping, treating it as a drug issue. He highlighted that many vapes contain harmful substances such as etomidate, while “Kpod” vapes have been found to contain ketamine and methamphetamines, posing even greater dangers.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has announced that etomidate will be classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), meaning offenders could face mandatory rehabilitation or harsher penalties.

In a recent joint operation, authorities seized more than 280 e-vaporisers from pubs, nightclubs, and KTV lounges across the island. Out of 640 people checked, 115 were found to be involved in vape-related offences, including five individuals suspected of possessing Kpods.

The HSA has urged the public to report offences via hotline or its online portal, assuring that those who voluntarily seek support to quit vaping will not face prosecution. At the same time, HSA confirmed it is collaborating with Hong Kong’s Department of Health to share intelligence and expertise, and has begun recruiting investigators dedicated to cracking down on Kpod-related crimes—receiving more than 800 applications to date.