Singapore's Tough Stance on Vaping Laws

In a groundbreaking move, Singapore has made it clear that citizens and permanent residents caught using drug-laced vapes, such as Kpods, abroad will face legal consequences as if they had committed the crime on home soil. This decision is rooted in the Misuse of Drugs Act, which extends its reach beyond national borders.

Severe Penalties for Drug Abusers

During a parliamentary session on September 22, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim announced that the use of etomidate, now classified as a Class C drug, carries serious repercussions. First-time offenders over 18 will be fined $700, while those under 18 will incur a $500 fine and mandatory rehabilitation for up to six months.

Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including a six-month supervision period involving drug testing and rehabilitation. A third offense will escalate to a full year of treatment in a rehabilitation center, followed by continued supervision and testing.

Alarming Smuggling Trends Uncovered

The discussion around vaping intensified with alarming statistics presented. From September 15, 2024, to September 14, 2025, authorities intercepted 76 large-scale smuggling attempts at checkpoints and 57 through postal channels, seizing more than 500,000 devices and components. Highlighting the scale of the issue, an enormous haul unveiled on September 15 included over 18,400 vapes hidden in a lorry—a record for land checkpoints.

The Global Drug-Vaping Epidemic

According to reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, organized crime rings are increasingly peddling drug-laced vapes across Asia. In Malaysia, it was revealed that 65.6% of seized vape liquids in recent years contained harmful drugs. Alarmingly, one in three vapes confiscated in Singapore was also linked to etomidate.

Crackdown on Syndicates and Social Media Strategies

Authorities are ramping up their efforts against these syndicates, having recently dismantled a major ring dealing in etomidate-laced vapes, resulting in the arrest of eight members and the seizure of over $22,000 in cash. Notably, traffic in Kpods has reportedly declined since etomidate's classification, yet the potent demand encourages further risk-taking.

Minister Faishal emphasized that syndicates are swiftly adapting, especially on platforms like Telegram, highlighting the need for law enforcement to enhance their strategies on these social media channels.

Public Involvement is Key!

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung underscored the importance of public vigilance in reporting vaping offenses. With over 4,600 hotline reports made from January to August, citizens are encouraged to actively participate in the fight against illegal vaping through various reporting channels, including a newly introduced online form requiring Singpass for secure submissions.

For those unable to use Singpass due to age restrictions, a hotline is available for reporting, ensuring that everyone's voice can be heard.

Stay Informed and Report Violations!

For anyone witnessing vaping-related offenses, remember to report them promptly. Call the HSA hotline at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9 AM to 9 PM, or submit your reports online. Together, Singapore can combat this pressing issue effectively.