18 people, aged 24 to 48, caught with vapes at Raffles Place & Haji Lane during HSA enforcement operation

18 persons aged 24 to 48 years old were caught with vapes and issued fines during an enforcement operation carried out by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Aug. 19 and 20.

The operations targeted vaping-related offences at public areas including Raffles Place and Haji Lane.

A total of 82 e-vaporisers and related components (including 62 heatsticks) were seized, HSA said.

One man was caught vaping along a smoking corner near an office building at Collyer Quay at the Central Business District (CBD) on Aug. 20.

Another was caught with a vaping device at a restaurant along Lorong Telok.

A group of women were caught with vapes outside another office building in Raffles City.

The offenders’ vapes were confiscated on the spot, and they were issued fines.

Mothership understands that some paid the fines immediately.

Laws on vapes

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.

Singapore has recently seen a rise in the use of Kpods, a type of e-vaporiser laced with etomidate.

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 photos by Khine Zin Htet/Mothership