Singapore strengthens e-cigarette regulations: 656 people arrested for violations, over 170 advertisements removed

Key points:

·Enforcement period and subjects: From September 1st to the 21st, the Singapore Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority conducted a joint special enforcement operation targeting illegal e-cigarette activities. 

·Enforcement outcome data: During the three-week period, a total of 656 illegal e-cigarette offenders were arrested, over 25,000 e-cigarettes and related components were seized, and 1050 reports of e-cigarette-related activities were handled. 

·Cases involving TFMPP e-cigarettes: 65 individuals suspected of abusing TFMPP were arrested, with 44 of them confirmed to be in possession of e-cigarette devices containing TFMPP. Currently, 3 individuals have started rehabilitation treatment, 36 are expected to begin rehabilitation this week, and 5 are still under investigation. 

·New punitive measures in effect: Starting from September 1st, new regulations are in place where individuals addicted to TFMPP e-cigarettes will be prioritized for a maximum six-month rehabilitation program instead of immediate prosecution. Failure to attend rehabilitation will result in legal action. 

·Types of cases and seizure locations: Besides individual illegal use, there was 1 case of TFMPP e-cigarette smuggling and 27 cases of regular e-cigarette smuggling, mainly seized at locations such as airports, checkpoints, and cruise terminals. 

·Government support and ongoing monitoring: The introduction of the QuitVape support program and QuitLine hotline encourages voluntary e-cigarette cessation without prosecution. It is emphasized that repeat offenders will face higher fines and stricter legal sanctions.

On September 28, 2025 - According to Channel News Asia report on September 27, a press release from the Singapore Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority revealed that a total of 656 people were arrested for e-cigarette-related offenses from September 1 to September 21, among whom 44 were found in possession of e-cigarettes containing eutylone.

In the past three weeks, law enforcement agencies have arrested a total of 65 individuals suspected of abusing tianeptine. Laboratory tests confirmed that 44 of the arrested individuals possessed e-cigarette devices containing tianeptine, while no drug traces were found in 12 devices. The test results of the remaining 9 individuals have not been disclosed yet.

Among the 44 individuals who have been identified, three have already started receiving rehabilitation treatment at mental health institutions or social service agencies. It is expected that another 36 people will begin rehabilitation treatment this week, while five others are still under investigation.

Starting from September 1, new punitive measures for illegal e-cigarette incidents have officially taken effect. According to the new regulations, individuals addicted to e-cigarettes containing nicotine must undergo rehabilitation instead of facing direct prosecution. During the rehabilitation process, their statements will be recorded, and they are required to participate in a rehabilitation program for up to six months as mandated by the government to help them quit smoking.

The Ministry of Health and the Bureau of Health Sciences have stated that any suspects who are absent from face-to-face interviews and rehabilitation will face legal prosecution. Rehabilitation programs focus on education, counseling, and support to help addicts overcome their dependencies.

Public hotlines and online reporting platforms have received a total of 1050 reports related to e-cigarette activities, with 34 of them suspected to involve the use of e-cigarettes containing acetoin. Law enforcement officials have taken targeted actions based on these public reports, resulting in the seizure of six individuals in possession of these suspicious e-cigarettes. In addition, enforcement agencies have removed over 170 illegal online advertisements in the past three weeks.

During this period, there were also reports of a suspected smuggling incident involving disposable meth e-cigarettes and 27 cases of regular e-cigarettes being smuggled. These cases were mainly intercepted at airports, checkpoints, and cruise ship centers, resulting in the seizure of over 25,000 e-cigarettes and related components.

The Ministry of Health is encouraging individuals who want to quit using e-cigarettes to utilize its support program QuitVape or call the Health Promotion Board's QuitLine for assistance. The government has promised not to take any action against those who voluntarily seek help.

At the same time, the government reiterated the stricter penalties for repeat offenders who continue to use e-cigarettes, including higher fines and more severe legal sanctions.