In recent years, Singapore has been very serious about its anti-vaping law, and it may become even stricter, as the Singaporean government is reportedly planning to take harsher measures against vaping. This plan was declared by Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, during his speech at the National Day Rally (NDR) 2025 on Sunday, August 17.
According to Prime Minister Wong, this step was taken in response to the rampant phenomena of drug-laced vapes or K-pods among Singaporean youths. Those who are caught using or selling vapes containing hazardous substances will be subjected to jail sentences and more severe punishments.
Singapore’s countermeasures against vapes
This isn’t the first time Singapore took serious action in addressing vaping issues. As reported in The Straits Times, a nationwide vape ban has been enacted since 2018. In accordance with the current law, those who use, possess, or buy vapes are imposed a maximum fine of $2,000.
However, despite the ban, PM Wong claimed that many people still attempt to sneak in vapes and evade the law. Hence why stricter penalties will be enforced. As a part of the “robust-whole-government exercise”, Singapore’s Ministry of Home and Affairs will take the lead in stepping up anti-vape enforcement, by carrying out a “major public education drive” starting in schools, higher learning institutions, and during national service.
Additionally, the Singaporean authorities will further provide supervision and rehabilitation for vape addicts.
Why are vapes prohibited in Singapore?
The vaping ban in Singapore is underpinned by significant concerns. As previously mentioned, the Singaporean government’s decision to prohibit vapes stems from the widespread use of drug-infused e-vaporizers, commonly known as K-pods. In contrast to traditional cigarettes, K-pods cause addiction, turning many young vapers into a disoriented zombie. This effect is attributed to the sedatives within the product such as ketamine and etomidate that induce drowsiness, hallucinations, and even loss of consciousness.
Approximately one out of three vapes confiscated by Singaporean officials were proved to contain not only typical nicotine, but also narcotic substances. For this reason, PM Wong in his speech at the 2025 NDR has specifically categorized this matter as a drug-related issue.
What are the consequences?
Backed by the Poisons Act, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) explains that individuals who are caught possessing, importing, or selling pods containing etomidate will face a maximum two years of jail time and or a fine up to S$10,000 for the first violation after proven guilty. For secondary or repeat offenses, penalties may include an escalation in fines up to S$20,000, 1 year of jail sentence, or both.
The Ministry of Health also added that etomidate is set to be listed as a type C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Moreover, harsher penalties such as flogging punishment and imprisonment for up to 20 years may be imposed on those who engage in selling, distributing, or importing such substances.
Regarding the issue of drug-laced e-vaporizers, in a press release held on August 14, 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Health revealed that five people have been charged for importing and selling vapes containing etomidate. Meanwhile, the Health Science Authority is currently looking into about 65 other cases of the importation, possession, and trade of drug-infused vape.
