Singapore's four-day joint operation to investigate e-cigarettes resulted in the arrest of four e-cigarette users

Key points:

·Results of joint law enforcement action: Over a four-day operation, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore covered areas such as Tampines and the Central Business District, apprehending 4 illegal e-cigarette offenders, seizing 27 e-cigarettes and accessories, and addressing issues of underage smoking and untaxed cigarettes. 

·Increased enforcement and scale: Singapore has authorized over 5000 frontline enforcement officers to enforce e-cigarette regulations, nearly doubling the previous number. Enforcement is carried out without a fixed route, with officers conducting stakeouts in smoking corners of shopping malls and even "blending in" with smokers. 

·New penalties from September: For first-time offenders, fines will be imposed based on age categories, while repeat offenders will be required to participate in a three-month rehabilitation program. Offenders with three or more violations may face prosecution and a maximum fine of 2000 Singapore dollars (approximately 1557 US dollars). 

·Special penalties for Kpods e-cigarette containing ethyl acetate: Offenders using Kpods e-cigarettes containing ethyl acetate will face stricter penalties, including higher fines and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation program. Failure to complete the program may result in prosecution. 

·Handling of related issues: The 9 underage smokers apprehended during the operation have been handed over to the Health Promotion Board, while the 20-year-old man found with untaxed cigarettes has been transferred to Singapore Customs.

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and National Environment Agency (NEA) have embarked on a four-day joint operation in areas such as Tampines and the Central Business District, according to a recent report by Channel News Asia on September 22, 2025.

During the operation, a total of four individuals between the ages of 24 and 43 were caught and fined on the spot for engaging in illegal activities related to e-cigarettes. The operation also seized a total of 27 e-cigarette devices and related accessories.

On September 17th, this operation, which started at 5 p.m., lasted for nearly three hours. During this time, a total of two individuals were arrested for illegal activities related to the use of e-cigarettes. Authorities also seized a total of 18 e-cigarettes and related accessories.

Just 10 minutes into the operation, the first e-cigarette user was caught near a smoking corner. The health department staff approached the delivery worker and fined them on the spot.

As the operation neared its conclusion, staff from the National Environmental Agency apprehended another man carrying an e-cigarette outside a shopping mall.

The staff requested the man to remove his shoes and coat, and his belongings were inspected. The man pleaded with the staff, but was still fined on the spot.

It is currently unclear whether they have committed an offense for the first time.

In this operation, nine minors were caught smoking and were subsequently handed over to the Health Promotion Board of Singapore.

A 20-year-old man was also arrested for carrying untaxed cigarettes. He was handed over to personnel from Singapore Customs, who arrived on the scene approximately an hour later.

As Singapore intensifies its crackdown on the use of e-cigarettes, enforcement actions against e-cigarettes are also on the rise.

On September 9th, the Singapore Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority announced that over 5000 frontline enforcement officers have been authorized to enforce e-cigarette regulations, almost double the previous number.

Starting from September 1st, stricter penalties for the use of e-cigarettes will come into effect. First-time offenders under the age of 18 will face increased fines of 500 Singapore dollars (approximately 389 US dollars), while those 18 and above will be fined 700 Singapore dollars (approximately 545 US dollars).

Repeat offenders must participate in a three-month rehabilitation program. Those who offend three times or more will be prosecuted according to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), with a maximum fine of $2000 (approximately $1557 USD).

Those found using e-cigarettes containing Toluene (commonly referred to as "Kpods") will face a stricter punishment. Toluene, as a narcotic, has been classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act starting from September 1st.

Under the new regulations, offenders using "Kpods" must not only pay higher fines but also participate in a rehabilitation program. Those who fail to complete the program will be prosecuted.