Singapore E-Cigarette Crackdown: Over 5,500 Users Arrested

Q2 Sees 46% Increase in Arrests Compared to Q1, with Students and Travelers Among Those Caught

The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has announced that 3,279 individuals were caught on the spot for using or possessing e-cigarettes in the second quarter of this year, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on August 1. This represents a 46% increase compared to the 2,240 people arrested in the first quarter, bringing the total number of arrests in the first half of the year to over 5,500.

Arrests Made in Various Locations

The HSA’s second-quarter data reveals that 2,530 individuals were arrested within the community, such as in public entertainment venues and near shopping malls. Authorities also investigated and fined 690 students for using or possessing e-cigarettes. Operations were conducted near institutes of higher learning, resulting in 40 people being found in possession of or using e-cigarettes.

At checkpoints, the HSA and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) carried out joint operations at locations such as Woodlands, Tuas Checkpoint, and Changi Airport. They inspected more than 5,000 passengers, and 19 were found to be carrying e-cigarettes.

Read more: Singapore Imposes Hefty Fines on Students Caught Vaping as Authorities Seize S$7M Worth of E-cigarettes

Ongoing Efforts to Curb E-Cigarette Use

Authorities remind travelers that bringing prohibited tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, into Singapore is strictly forbidden. Those caught will face fines. Despite the effectiveness of the crackdown, cross-departmental and inter-agency collaboration will continue to conduct multi-pronged operations in the community, schools, institutes of higher learning, and checkpoints to prevent the further spread of e-cigarettes locally.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) will persist in raising awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes through various platforms and reiterating that e-cigarettes are prohibited in Singapore. As more students are arrested for possessing or using e-cigarettes, the HPB provides assistance to help them quit smoking and using e-cigarettes. From April to June this year, nearly 400 youths participated in programs to quit smoking and using e-cigarettes. Approximately half of them successfully reduced or completely quit smoking and using e-cigarettes after a month of counseling.

Read more: Singapore Strengthens Joint Enforcement to Curb E-Cigarette Circulation

Minister Emphasizes Dangers and Enforcement

In a Facebook post on August 1, Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung referred to a video he released on July 7, in which he explained the dangers of e-cigarettes and urged the public, especially young people, to stay away from them and not break the law. He emphasized that the Ministry of Health and cross-departmental agencies will take a multi-pronged approach to combat e-cigarettes.

Read more: Singapore Intensifies Vape Enforcement, Fines Tourists Carrying Vapes at Changi Airport

Ong Ye Kung revealed that the number of summons issued by the authorities increased from 300 in January to 1,000 in June this year. He expressed hope that this measure would send a clear signal.

Under Singapore’s Tobacco Act, importing, distributing, or selling e-cigarettes is illegal. First-time offenders may face a maximum fine of 10,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 7,500 US dollars) or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both. Repeat offenders will be fined up to 20,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 15,000 US dollars) or imprisoned for up to one year, or both. Those who possess, use, or purchase e-cigarettes face a maximum fine of 2,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 1,500 US dollars).

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.