S'pore man, 24, caught with 2 vapes during joint enforcement operation at tertiary institutions

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) worked with the institutes of higher learning (IHLs) to conduct joint enforcement operations against vaping from Sep. 8 to 29, 2025.

HSA enforcement officers and IHL campus security officers carried out joint enforcement operations at six IHLs in total over the three weeks.

A 24-year-old man was caught with two e-vaporisers and ten related components on campus during the operations.

The individual was issued a Notice of Composition and was fined on the spot, HSA and MOE said in a joint statement on Oct. 2.

The e-vaporisers and related components were seized.

Joint enforcement operations will be progressively conducted with the remaining IHLs to send a strong signal that vaping will not be tolerated in Singapore, HSA and MOE said.

Disciplinary measures

Besides the penalty imposed by HSA for vaping offences, they said IHLs will mete out disciplinary measures through institution-based disciplinary frameworks.

These frameworks have been strengthened to align with the stricter national posture against vaping, HSA and MOE said.

These include issuance of a formal reprimand through a warning letter, withdrawal of privileges like leadership opportunities, overseas exchange, or scholarships, eviction from hostels, as well as possible suspension or dismissal for recalcitrant offenders.

These measures are paired with counselling to help students "learn the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for their decisions", they said.

Education efforts

The IHLs are also working closely with the Health Promotion Board to raise awareness among students about "the harms of vaping and the benefits of leading a vaping-free lifestyle," HSA and MOE said.

This is done through interactive programmes for students as well as training for staff and student leaders.

Laws and regulations against smoking and vaping are also communicated to IHL students during freshman orientation briefings, HSA and MOE noted.

Furthermore, students are required to complete compulsory orientation e-modules and briefings on student conduct which include regulations against vaping.

Outreach talks are also conducted for students in the IHLs.

5 caught with duty-unpaid cigarettes

In separate cases, five individuals aged between 20 and 25 were found to be in possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes and have been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.

Mothership was invited to one of the enforcement operations held at an IHL on Sep. 15 from 8:30pm to midnight.

Officers walked through dormitories, common areas, laundry room and more.

No one was caught during this operation.

One student was found with duty-unpaid cigarettes and was questioned by Singapore Customs officers on the spot.

Top photos from MOE and HSA