More than 1,500 vapes, related parts seized at S'pore checkpoints in 4 days: ICA

In the first four days of September alone, the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) seized more than 1,500 e-vaporisers and related components at Singapore's air, land and sea checkpoints.

ICA said in a Facebook post on Sept 5 that it had detected 123 cases of travellers found in possession of e-vaporisers between Sept 1 and 4. This number included those who voluntarily disposed of their e-vaporisers at the checkpoints.

About 70 per cent of the cases involved short-term visitors, and 30 per cent were Singapore residents - Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders.

"Vaping is illegal in Singapore," reminded ICA. "Foreigners who visit or live in Singapore must abide by our laws."

Singapore is taking a whole-of-government approach to tackle vaping, which is now considered a drug issue, with stiffer penalties imposed.

Since Sept 1, anybody caught possessing, using or buying vapes will face higher penalties. Recalcitrant users may be required to undergo rehabilitation.

Vape users will face increased fines of $500 for those under 18 and $700 for adults, up from $300 and $500, respectively.

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

From January 2024 to March 2025, HSA seized $41 million worth of vapes - nearly five times the reported value seized from 2019 to end-2023, according to numbers compiled by The Straits Times.

Between April and June 2025, 19 large-scale vape smuggling cases were detected at Singapore's air, land and sea checkpoints, leading to around 90,000 vapes and related products being seized.

Those who use vapes laced with synthetic drugs like etomidate or ketamine, also known as Kpods, can be subject to rehabilitation, mandatory supervision and detention.

Sellers of Kpods will face higher penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape