Muhammad Amanullah | August 12, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — Singapore has intensified its crackdown on vaping and e-cigarettes, with authorities catching 2,428 people for possessing or using vapes between April and June 2026. Officials said enforcement and surveillance against vaping will continue despite the decline in cases.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority, 1,971 people, or 81 percent, of those caught between April 1 and June 30 were involved in conventional vaping cases, while 457 people were dealt with for possessing or using etomidate-laced vapes.
809 Cases Reported Monthly
Authorities said an average of 809 vaping-related cases were recorded each month during the second quarter of 2026.
The figure was approximately 30 percent lower than the monthly average of 1,219 cases recorded between June and August 2025. Officials said the overall number of cases has declined following the implementation of stricter measures against vaping on September 1 last year.
More Than 3,900 Vapes Seized
Singapore has also tightened surveillance at its air, land and sea checkpoints to prevent the illegal importation of vapes.
Between April and June, authorities seized more than 3,900 vapes and related components at checkpoints. During the same period, 19 people were identified for attempting to import conventional vapes.
One of those individuals was prosecuted, while investigations against eight others are ongoing. The remaining individuals faced fines or received stern warnings.
Etomidate-Laced Vapes Also Targeted
Authorities have also intensified enforcement against etomidate-laced vapes.
Between April and June, nine people were prosecuted for allegedly importing or supplying etomidate-laced vapes.
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Authorities said six of those individuals were suspected of being part of an international group. More than S$880,000 worth of etomidate vape pods were seized from them.
During the same period, 14 people were convicted for selling etomidate-laced vapes.
Online Vape Sales Also Targeted
Singaporean authorities have also taken action against the online sale and promotion of vapes.
Between April and June, authorities worked with e-commerce and social media platforms to remove more than 600 online listings offering vapes and related components for sale.
Officials said tackling vaping requires more than enforcement on streets and in public places. Preventing illegal online sales and supply chains is also considered essential.
245 Students Referred for Action
Young people are also a major focus of Singapore’s anti-vaping enforcement efforts.
Between April and June, 245 students were referred to the Health Sciences Authority by schools and higher-education institutions.
During the same period, more than 480 young people received counselling to help them quit smoking and vaping.
Authorities said the objective is not only to impose penalties but also to provide rehabilitation and support to young people trying to overcome vaping addiction.
264 People Entered Rehabilitation Programs
Authorities said 264 people were enrolled in rehabilitation programs during the second quarter of 2026.
Since stricter enforcement began in September 2025, a total of 787 people have been enrolled in such programs, with 245 successfully completing their rehabilitation programs.
Authorities are also taking stronger action against repeated violations involving etomidate. Between April and June, 18 people were referred to drug rehabilitation centres.
QuitVape Program to End in September
The Singapore government has decided to discontinue the QuitVape programme from September 1, 2026. The programme was introduced to help people quit using etomidate.
Officials said participation in the programme has now become limited. However, people who joined before the programme ends will be allowed to complete their rehabilitation and receive continued support.
Singapore’s latest enforcement campaign shows that the government is taking a broad approach to vaping, targeting illegal imports, online sales, youth vaping and the use of etomidate-laced vape products at the same time.
