SINGAPORE - In a bold move against the vaping epidemic, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has launched an aggressive enforcement operation around five key institutions of higher learning in Singapore, marking the beginning of a significant crackdown.

On July 14, officers conducted thorough checks, leading to the capture of 27 individuals and issuing fines for vaping. Additionally, eight others were caught underage smoking, with ages of offenders ranging from 17 to 66 years.

During the five-hour blitz, a staggering 31 e-vaporisers were confiscated, a clear signal of the authorities’ commitment to combating this growing issue.

A Day of Enforcement: The Ground Operations

Beginning just after 11 AM, HSA officers strategically located themselves in high-traffic areas outside educational institutions. In a matter of minutes, a man was apprehended at an HDB void deck, boasting a vape around his neck—an alarmingly dangerous Kpod suspected of containing etomidate, an anesthetic classified as a poison under the Poisons Act.

Not long after, officers detected another individual vaping shamelessly at a bus stop across from a school. His excuse? A recent visit to the doctor.

Vaping: An Escalating Concern

The HSA revealed a shocking trend in their earlier statements, projecting an alarming rise in vaping among students. From roughly 800 cases in 2022, the numbers skyrocketed to predictions of 2,600 referrals by schools and institutes of higher learning by March 2025.

Teachers are speaking out, noting the chilling day-to-day challenges they face managing students caught vaping, with reports of innovative concealment methods such as hiding devices in false ceilings.

Unmasking the Dangers of Laced Vapes

The emergence of etomidate-laced vapes has sent shockwaves through the educational community. Teachers report alarming incidents and express deep concerns over the potential dangers, especially after a 13-year-old girl exhibited erratic behavior, later found to possess a laced vaping device.

Experts warn that the Dangers of vaping are now compounded by the presence of highly dangerous substances in these devices. School counselors report an increasing number of students seeking help for addiction, with many unaware of what they were inhaling.

What’s Being Done?

In response, the Health Promotion Board is stepping up, offering support systems like QuitLine, along with counseling services at schools. Starting in July, a year-long virtual cessation counseling pilot will be introduced across secondary schools.

Parents are receiving advisories aimed at addressing the dangers of vaping, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in their children's lives. With metal detectors deployed during bag checks upon receiving credible tips, schools are ramping up their defenses in this ongoing battle.

A Call to Action

Experts emphasize the urgency of intervention. Senior counselor Mr. Gopal Mahey highlights that if proactive measures aren't taken swiftly, the prevalence of dependency on these harmful substances will only escalate. "This generation is at a crossroads. We can still make an impact, but the window for prevention is narrowing," he warns.

As the HSA continues its vigilant efforts, one thing is clear: the fight against vaping in Singapore is far from over, and every step counts in safeguarding the youth.