Singapore reports 52% increase in e-cigarette offences with 3,840 arrests

Oct.24.2024

Singapore sees a 52% increase in e-cigarette-related arrests, with 3,840 people fined from July to September 2024.

A total of 3,840 people were arrested and fined for possessing or using e-cigarettes in Singapore between 1 July and 30 September, according to Berita Harian on 23 October. This figure represents a 52% increase from the previous quarter.

There were a total of 743 cases of students using e-cigarettes, including those referred by schools and tertiary institutions, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Of these cases, 591 were detected during community enforcement patrols, 44 were detected during enforcement activities around tertiary institutions and 16 were detected at checkpoints.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) monitored online content to identify people using e-cigarettes in public places or holding e-cigarettes in photos or videos. In July and August 2024, the HSA issued fines to five people caught using e-cigarettes in this way, and deleted related videos and photos on Instagram and TikTok.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted multiple operations at air, land and sea checkpoints. Approximately 4,000 visitors were screened and 16 people were arrested for carrying e-cigarettes.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have stated that transporters and drivers caught bringing prohibited tobacco products into Singapore will face enforcement action. Foreign nationals found guilty of this offence will be deported and banned from re-entering the country.

References:

[1] 3,840 ditangkap, didenda miliki ‘vape' dari Jul hingga Sep 2024, Berita

Also Read:

[1] ICA Foils Attempt to Smuggle 37,588 E-Cigarettes into Singapore

[2] Singapore Man Arrested for Illegal E-Cigarette Operation Worth $240M

[3] ICA successfully busts two smuggling cases at Singapore checkpoint

[4] Singapore Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint

[5] Rising Concerns: E-Cigarette Usage Reported by Singaporean Taxi Drivers

[6] Singapore Cracks Down on e-cigarette Usage: Over 5000 Caught

[7] Singapore Authorities Seize $3.71 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes

[8] Singapore Health Sciences Authority Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Black Market

[9] Singapore strengthens crackdown on e-cigarette promotion and sales

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Singapore

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

JUUL wins approval after FDA reversal of Marketing Denial Order

JUUL's regulatory journey from Marketing Denial Order to approval showcases FDA's evolving approach to e-cigarette oversight.

Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | Dual-flavor, 30,000-puff SKE 2-in-1 launches across multiple UK distributor platforms.

E-cigarette brand SKE has listed its “30K Pro Max” bundle across multiple UK e-commerce platforms. The 2-in-1 device features dual flavors with a twist-to-switch design, draw activation, and mesh heating, with a claimed total of up to 30,000 puffs. Across several channels, single-unit pricing ranges from about £8.99 to £10.99.

Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Irish Government Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Controls

Irish Government has approved the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which will outlaw the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and introduce tighter restrictions on other nicotine products such as pouches. The move follows Northern Ireland’s similar ban earlier in 2025 and aims to protect young people from nicotine addiction.

Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Harm Reduction Experts Warn: FCTC COP11 Policies Risk Marginalizing the Global South

Two global tobacco harm reduction experts, in their submission to 2Firsts, argue that several COP11 policy proposals driven by high-income countries do not align with the capacities and conditions of low- and middle-income countries. They highlight research and funding gaps and call for a more equitable global support mechanism.