13 S'pore residents caught with vapes at checkpoints over 4 days

Between Jul. 20 and 23, 2026, the Immigration abd Checkpoints Authority (ICA) detected 56 cases of travellers who possess vaporisers.

More than 444 vaporisers and related components were seized, ICA said on Jul. 24.

About 77 per cent of the cases involved short-term visitors and 23 per cent were Singapore residents, which include Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders.

Reminder

Vaping is illegal in Singapore, ICA said.

ICA added: "Foreigners who visit or reside in Singapore must abide by our laws."

Individuals caught possessing, using or purchasing vaporisers will face higher penalties.

Banned from re-entry

Short-term visitors who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore.

Long-term pass holders who re-offend may have their passes revoked on a third offence and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.

Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, which came into force on May 1, 2026, those found vaping can be fined up to S$10,000.

Those found vaping etomidate can be fined up to S$20,000, or face up to 10 years’ jail, or both.

Convicted suppliers face a jail sentence of two to 10 years and two to five strokes of the cane.

Importers face between three to 20 years’ imprisonment, and five to 15 strokes of the cane.