Singapore authorities caught and penalised 2,589 people for possessing and using vapes in the first three months of 2026, according to a Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority press release on May 4 [1]. Among them, 377 were offenders using etomidate vaporizers, a specific substance targeted under enforcement [1].
Since stepped-up enforcement began on September 1, 2025, a total of 520 offenders have been placed on rehabilitation programmes, with 256 joining such programmes in the first quarter alone [1]. Of those, 123 have successfully completed rehabilitation. The government mandates rehabilitation for first-time etomidate vaporiser offenders and second-time vape offenders, with court charges for those who fail to complete their programmes [1].
A notable case involved a 12-year-old girl caught vaping for a second time in October 2025. She completed her rehabilitation in January 2026 and showed improvements in behavior and academics [1].
Law enforcement seized over 36,000 vaporisers and related components at checkpoints across Singapore in Q1 2026. They uncovered 24 smuggling cases, leading to prosecution of 11 smugglers and investigations into 13 vape sellers [1].
Legal actions include 28 offenders currently undergoing court proceedings, while investigations remain underway for 42 others [1]. Ten individuals were fined for posting vaping-related content on social media early this year, as authorities cracked down on online promotion [1]. More than 600 e-vaporiser listings were removed from online platforms during the first quarter [1].
Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning referred 206 students to the Health Sciences Authority for vaping offences. Over 270 youths received smoking and vaping cessation counselling, reflecting the government’s preventive approach alongside enforcement [1].
Foreigners convicted of vaping offences face deportation after serving their sentences and will be barred from re-entry to Singapore [1].
The Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority continue monitoring enforcement and rehabilitation efforts to curb vaping, with ongoing investigations and court processes aiming to reinforce compliance.
