Almost 4,000 people were caught using or carrying vapes; about a quarter are students

Application at high profile events and at borders

A total of 253 people were captured through targeted operations at important and high-profile events.

The Formula 1 race weekend in September saw around 200 individuals fined by the HSA, while more than 50 who attended an outdoor music event in Sentosa in August were similarly punished.

The attempt to eradicate vaping has also extended to borders, with HSA and ICA conducting several joint operations at air, land and sea checkpoints. More than 4,000 travelers were checked and 16 were caught vaping.

A 32-year-old Malaysian man driving a Malaysian-registered truck was also caught trying to smuggle vapes at the Tuas checkpoint on 17 July. He was found to have more than 20,000 vaporizers and components with a street value of more than $300,000 in his possession. .

He was detained and handed over to HSA for further investigation. While under investigation, he attempted to flee Singapore but was captured by the ICA two days later.

He was later sentenced to 28 weeks in prison on 28 August.

Interrupted timing rings

The crackdown on vape suppliers in recent months has also included in-person distribution networks.

On July 7, HSA agents conducted an operation in Paya Lebar involving foreign domestic workers. They intercepted 10 people – eight of whom were buyers, as well as two sellers – before any transaction was carried out.

Eight vapes and various components were also seized, as well as illegal medicines intended for sale.

In a separate incident on August 21, HSA seized more than 2,000 vaporizers and components with a street value of more than $39,000 in Tampines. Eight people aged between 26 and 35 were caught distributing vapes from their vehicles in an open-air car park.

All offenders in both incidents are currently assisting with investigations.

Judicial convictions

Possession, use or purchase of vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Those caught importing, distributing, selling or offering for sale vapes and their components can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both, for a first offense.

Subsequent offenses can result in a fine of up to $20,000, or a prison sentence of up to one year, or both. All prohibited tobacco articles will be seized and confiscated.

There were 21 people aged between 14 and 48 who were convicted from July 1 to September 30 for selling vaporizers and related components in Singapore.

The total fines amounted to more than $150,000, with one offender being fined $39,000 and another jailed for 15 months and fined $10,000.

Members of the public who have information about the illegal possession, use, purchase, import, distribution, sale or offering of vapes can contact the HSA Tobacco Regulation Section on 6684 2036 or 6684 2037.