News
115 people, aged 17 to 61, caught for vape related offences in raid on S'pore pubs, bars, & KTV lounges, 8 suspected Kpods also found
More than 280 vapes were seized.
August 16, 2025, 03:00 PM
More 280 vapes were seized during an overnight islandwide raid operation on nightlife venues jointly carried out by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Aug. 15.
The nightlife venues included pubs, bars and KTV lounges.
According to an HSA spokesperson, 115 persons aged 17 to 61 years old were caught for vape related offences.
This includes five who were caught with suspected etomidate vapes.
A total of eight suspected Kpods were seized.
Hill Street raid
Two establishments in a building along Hill Street were raided by SPF and HSA officers as part of the islandwide operations.
In one of the establishments, two individuals were found in possession of suspected Kpods.
Photo by Gawain Pek.
Vape devices and suspected Kpod. Photo by Gawain Pek.
A HSA officer with an individual found in possession of suspected Kpods. Photo by Gawain Pek.
Vape devices and suspected etomidate-laced vape pods. Photo by Gawain Pek.
In another, nine vapes and vape components were seized from patrons.
Photo by Gawain Pek.
In total, more than 23 vape devices and four suspected etomidate-laced vape pods were seized at the two Hill Street establishments.
According to HSA spokespersons, those found with vape devices are fined on the spot and their devices seized.
Suspected Kpods will be brought back to the lab for further testing.
Crack down on vapes
"The police are working with HSA and other relevant agencies to conduct joint enforcement operations on public entertainment outlets islandwide," Superintendent of Police Esther Koh, Head Operations of Central Police Division, said following the Hill Street operation.
Photo by Javier Lim.
By around 3am, more than 640 persons were screened and 130 vapes were seized islandwide.
The cases will be referred to HSA.
"We will continue to work with other agencies to clamp down on illicit activities and support HSA's efforts to crack down on the use of e-vaporisers," Koh added.
No vaping signs to go up at nightlife venues
In a press release on Aug. 16, HSA announced that nightlife establishments will display "Vaping is Prohibited" signage at entrances and within their premises.
The signage will also feature a QR code that links to HSA's online reporting portal.
This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to remind patrons that vaping is illegal and to report vape related offences.
"Vaping has no place in daily life, including Singapore's nightlife entertainment scene. All nightlife establishments should work with us to keep their venues vape-free and report any illegal activities to the authorities,” said Raymond Chua, HSA's Chief Executive Officer.
"SNBA is committed to working closely with HSA to ensure that nightlife venues remain safe, responsible, and compliant with the law," Danny Loong, President of SNBA, added.
The purchase, possession and use of vapes are prohibited in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
Offenders face up to S$2,000 in fines.
It is also an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components.
First-time offenders are liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence.
Repeat offenders face a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both.
Etomidate is classified as a poison and currently regulated under the Poisons Act.
According to HSA, under the Poisons Act, persons found possessing, importing or selling pods containing etomidate are liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to two years and/or fine up to $10,000.
It will soon be classified as Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
With the new classification, offenders caught using etomidate-laced e-vaporisers will be subject to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation.
Repeat offenders are liable to be prosecuted and subject to jail for at least a year.
More severe penalties apply to those selling, distributing or importing these devices, including imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning.
Top image by Gawain Pek
Events