Singapore, known for its rigorous drug laws, is now extending that staunch stance to vaping. What was once viewed primarily as a public health concern is on the verge of being reclassified as a criminal issue, with penalties approaching those of traditional narcotics.
This shift stems from escalating enforcement efforts, the rise of hazardous drug‑laced vapes, and new legislative moves.
From Prohibition to Enforcement Intensification
Vaping has been illegal in Singapore since 2018. The current legal framework prohibits importation, sale, distribution, possession, and use of e‑vaporisers, under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
Offenders face a maximum fine of S$2,000 for simple possession or use, while importers and distributors may face fines up to S$10,000 and imprisonment of up to six months, or even higher for repeat violations.
In recent years, enforcement has ramped up significantly. In 2023 alone, authorities handled around 8,000 vaping‑related offences, an increase of approximately 43% from the previous year.
Quarterly figures continued this upward trend: early 2024 saw over 2,200 apprehensions, and by mid‑2024, that number had risen to 2,530. The authorities even conducted targeted crackdowns at hot spots and school areas, ensuring no refuge for offenders.
The Dangers of “Zombie Vapes”
Public health concerns escalated when investigations revealed that some vape cartridges, so‑called “Kpods”, were laced with anesthetic substances like etomidate.
In some cases, they even use ketamine or synthetic cannabinoids. These are sometimes imperceptible to users and undetectable in standard urine tests.
In July 2025, the government announced it would classify etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), a move that transforms the delivery device (the vape) into a potential drug offence.
Meanwhile, all the class C drug violations can result in penalties up to 20 years of jail and caning.
From Prevention to Criminalization
At the 2025 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong declared that vaping would now be treated as a drug‑related issue, with harsher repercussions for those using or selling vapes containing harmful substances.
Additionally, public outreach initiatives like the “Bin the Vape” campaign now encourage users to surrender devices voluntarily, without facing penalties, via designated vape disposal bins installed across community centers.
Legal Evolution
Experts are calling for more nimble legal tools to address rapidly evolving threats like drug‑laced vapes.
For example, granting the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) jurisdiction once drug traces are detected, rather than waiting for formal classification, could ensure timely enforcement.
Singapore’s recent updates to narcotics law that regulate synthetic drugs by effect, rather than chemical structure, are cited as a model for future adaptation.
A Complex Act of Balancing
Some healthcare professionals have expressed concern that treating vaping as a criminal issue may hinder cessation efforts. If users fear prosecution, they may be reluctant to seek help.
That said, the Ministry of Health has clarified that individuals who voluntarily come forward for help or join cessation programs will not face punishment.
Furthermore, enforcement remains multi‑pronged, combining penalties with education and support.
Schools and higher‑learning institutions continue to refer offenders to cessation counselling, while public campaigns such as “Vape is a toxic friend you don’t need” are ongoing.
What Lies Ahead
Singapore is rapidly moving down a path where vaping is no longer treated merely as a prohibited tobacco product but as a potential narcotic offence. New classifications under the MDA, combined with aggressive enforcement and public outreach, underscore the shift.
If etomidate is formalized as a Class C drug, possessing a drug‑laced vape could carry the weight of trafficking laws.
The government’s zero‑tolerance approach, paired with legal agility and public health strategies, reflects both its adaptability and commitment to safeguarding youth.
Singapore’s rigid drug‑control ethos is expanding to cover new threats like vape devices. Whether this deters usage or pushes it underground remains to be seen, but the message is clear: vaping is no longer just a vice, but a crime.
