Singapore officials announced more than 1,500 vape products were confiscated in the first days of a renewed crackdown that began September 1, warning both residents and visitors that the country’s strict vaping ban will be enforced.
“Vaping is illegal in Singapore. Foreigners who visit or live in Singapore must abide by our laws,” the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said in a statement. About 70% of recent cases involved short-term visitors.
Although vaping has been outlawed since 2018, the government has escalated enforcement amid concerns over “Kpods” — illicit vapes laced with the anesthetic etomidate.
New penalties include:
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First-time offenders: fines of up to 700 Singapore dollars ($546) for adults, 500 Singapore dollars ($390) for minors.
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Repeat offenders: mandatory drug rehabilitation, with third-time violators facing prosecution and fines up to 2,000 Singapore dollars ($1,560).
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Smugglers or sellers: prison terms up to 20 years, with the possibility of caning.
Just before the tougher rules took effect, officials intercepted a van carrying nearly 900 vapes and 7,000 parts hidden inside air-conditioning units.
Authorities say the ban is driven by both health and environmental concerns. The CDC warns there are “no safe tobacco products,” and discarded vapes are linked to toxic contamination of soil and water.
Other nations, including England, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand, have also moved to ban single-use vapes.
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