18K People Caught and Fined for Vaping in Singapore Over 15 Months

Singapore vaping fines

Nearly 18,000 caught for vape offenses in Singapore (Jan 2024-Mar 2025) as HSA seizes $41M in illicit products amid stricter enforcement.

Singaporean authorities have significantly ramped up enforcement against e-vaporisers, catching nearly 18,000 individuals for possession and use between January 2024 and March 2025. In a joint statement, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Ministry of Health revealed that vape products and components valued at over S$41 million were seized during this 15-month period.

The intensified efforts included 50 successful operations targeting large-scale vape syndicates. Consequently, 27 offenders were prosecuted for failing to pay composition fines, while another 60 faced court action for selling e-vaporisers. Notably, two individuals involved in a syndicate dealing with over S$5 million worth of devices received the harshest sentences to date for smuggling: 10 months’ jail each, along with fines of S$16,000 and S$14,000 respectively. Investigations are ongoing into another syndicate linked to S$6.5 million in illicit vapes.

Enforcement extended to border checkpoints, where 101 travellers were caught with e-vaporisers. Online, HSA collaborated with e-commerce and social media platforms to remove over 6,800 listings for vapes and related components – more than double the number removed in 2023. Fifteen individuals were also fined for posting vape-related content on social media.

Educational institutions have bolstered anti-vaping messaging, engaging nearly 118,500 students. Around 2,600 students were referred to HSA for vaping, with nearly 1,800 youth receiving cessation counselling. A virtual cessation pilot program is set to launch in July for secondary schools. Authorities remind the public that possessing, using, or buying vapes can lead to fines up to S$2,000, while selling or importing carries penalties up to S$10,000 and/or six months’ jail for a first offense.

Matthew Ma
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