232 people in S'pore caught for vaping offences, including 32 for suspected KPod abuse, after new measures on Sep. 1

232 people have been caught for e-vapouriser offences after Singapore rolled out stiffer penalties against vaping on Sep. 1, 2025.

According to a joint press release by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Sep. 8, the offenders were issued Notices of Composition (NOC) on the spot.

Among those caught, 14 were also found in possession of vapes laced with the harmful substance etomidate.

Offenders issued NOC

All 232 offenders were given NOCs when they were caught.

Of those tested, 32 were suspected etomidate abusers, with 14 confirmed cases so far. Test results for another 11 individuals are pending.

Seven people were found not to possess vapes containing etomidate.

The test results of the devices of the remaining 11 individuals are pending.

Those found abusing etomidate are required to attend rehabilitation in lieu of prosecution.

Three offenders have already been directed to undergo up to six months of rehabilitation, which includes education, counselling, and addiction support.

First trafficker charged, stepped up enforcement

HSA charged 40-year-old Khor Boon Chun, Derek, on Sep. 8 for allegedly trafficking e-vapouriser pods containing etomidate.

He is the first to be prosecuted under the Misuse of Drugs Act since the drug was classified as a Class C controlled substance on Sep. 1.

Khor was arrested after police found him behaving suspiciously at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 on Sep. 6.

A search of his vehicle uncovered around 50 e-vapourisers and pods, which later tested positive for etomidate.

More than 5,000 officers from agencies including the Central Narcotics Bureau, Land Transport Authority, and Singapore Prison Service have been authorised to take enforcement action against illegal vaping.

Those who voluntarily seek help will not face penalties or offence records, but anyone caught vaping will still be subject to the law.

Under the new framework, repeat offenders face mandatory rehabilitation, fines of up to S$2,000, and even detention at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

Traffickers, importers, and sellers of etomidate vapes could face jail terms of up to 20 years and five to 15 strokes of caning.

Members of the public with information on illegal vaping can submit reports via go.gov.sg/reportvape or call HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch hotline at 66842036 or 66842037.

Top photos by Health Sciences Authority