The Last Puff: Singapore’s New Vaping Laws

Image Credits: Unsplash (Viktor Talashuk https://unsplash.com/photos/white-smoke-coming-out-from-brown-wood-Zcqw1XnVnDo)

In this Policy Explainer, find out…

What is the current state of drug-laced vaping in Singapore?
What are the key regulation changes for the use of electronic vaporisers in Singapore?
How have Singaporeans reacted to the higher penalties on electronic vaporisers?

Introduction

On September 1, etomidate and its analogues will be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) for six months, until the Ministry of Health creates a more detailed framework for vaping offences. This law aligns with Singapore’s new slew of enhanced measures, to tackle the issue of growing electronic-vaporiser usage. The recent spate of viral videos, depicting teenagers tottering and collapsing, after using vapes laced with anaesthetic etomidate, caused widespread alarm, and sparked concerns amongst Singaporeans.

In this Policy Explainer, we will explain why policymakers have acted to curtail the rising prevalence of vaping and etomidate-laced vapes in particular, the key regulation changes to the classification of etomidate, and the whole-of-society effort to reduce vaping in Singapore.

Singapore's Vaping Crisis

Vaping has been a highly prevalent issue in Singapore, with current measures not having been fully successful despite threats of fines or jail time. According to statistics provided by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), there were nearly 7,900 recorded cases of unauthorised possession, purchase, or use of vapes in 2023, a 58 per cent increase from 2022. Of this group, 800 of them were students.

Vape manufacturers are also creating personalised devices and flavours that may appeal to youths better, in comparison to traditional cigarettes.

This crisis is further aggravated by a particularly worrying trend of people increasingly opting to use etomidate-laced vapes, the impact of which is explained below.

What is Etomidate, and Why is it Harmful?

Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation. Previously, it was classified under the Poisons Act, which restricts its use solely to medical professionals. Under the Poisons Act, using or trafficking etomidate is punishable by a maximum fine of S$10,000 and a prison term of two years.

The Rise of K-Pods

Ketamine-Pods, or informally known on the streets as K-Pods, has been gaining popularity amongst youths. The reason for its naming is because of its etomidate content, which mimics the ‘high’ produced from consuming the ketamine drug.

While in a medical context, etomidate is used in calculated doses and strictly monitored by doctors and nurses. K-Pods, however, are being marketed outside of medical uses as a trendy alternative to traditional vaping, and can evoke a better ‘high’. Although this seems relatively similar to vaping, the usage of K-Pods and its effects are in fact a ticking time bomb.

The abuse of etomidate, can lead to various health dangers, and can induce breathlessness, moodiness, muscle and even cardiac arrest. In addition, when its effects start to wear off, users may deal with withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety, hallucinations, and falling into a dissociative state.

For these reasons, the Government has recently been clamping down on vaping, particularly K-Pods.

Updated Penalties for Vaporisers & Etomidate Abuse

Vape & Etomidate Users

Generally, the penalties for vape and etomidate users are fairly similar to other drug consumption related offences. For early offenders, most are liable to a combination of fines, rehabilitation at Drug Rehabilitation Centres, and drug testing. For instance, first-time offenders will be issued a fine of S$500 (for offenders under 18 years old) and S$700 (for adults). In addition, they will be required to attend rehabilitation for up to six months. This approach emphasises support, and enables vape and etomidate users to recover from their addictions and reintegrate back into society.

For recalcitrant abusers, the punishments would be significantly increased. Second-time offenders will be arrested. They will be investigated by CNB, which includes statement-taking and urine testing. Offenders will be required to undergo mandatory supervision for six months which includes drug testing and rehabilitation. Additionally, offenders who do not complete the rehabilitation programmes will be prosecuted in court.

Penalties for Etomidate Suppliers

Currently, Singaporean Law prosecutes etomidate suppliers via the Poisons Act, with fines amounting to S$20,000 and two years in jail. After September 1st, suppliers who are caught importing etomidate, can be subject to up to 20 years imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane. This harsher approach is akin to Singapore’s drug trafficking laws, which impose hefty penalties on traffickers. The strict enforcement of etomidate suppliers mirrors that of Singapore’s broader drug policy, with an emphasis on deterrence, and viewing it as a necessity to protect society from the destructive effects of vapes.

Public Education Campaigns

Public education campaigns have begun as a result of inter-agency collaborations. As of today, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) is working in tandem with the Ministry of Education, to relay anti-vaping educational messages. “Don’t Toy with Your Life”, is Singapore’s national public education campaign that raises awareness on the dangers of vaping. The campaign aims to promote cessation support for young people. It is also backed by preventive programs for youths who are addicted to etomidate abuse.

Figure 1: “Don’t Toy With Your Life” Campaign

Stringent Enforcement by the Public Sector

In particular, schools, civil service, and uniformed organisations are also clamping down on vape enforcement in Singapore. Under new measures, schools have been given saliva test kits that can detect nicotine. Students caught vaping will face disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion from school. Students suspected of using K-pods will also be sent for urine testing.

This enforcement extends to tertiary institutions. For example, within the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Enhanced Disciplinary measures, the administration has created a revised disciplinary framework for students and employees regarding the use of K-pods.

In the civil service and uniformed groups, the punishments meted out are equally severe. Those caught using or distributing e-vaporisers, are subject to disciplinary measures ranging from fines and demotions, to dismissal from service. Personnel from uniformed groups and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be dealt with under military law, including fines, detention, or dishonourable discharge from service.

Support for Quitting

In order to truly overcome the vaping crisis in Singapore, a ‘carrot and stick’ approach is currently being adopted. Whilst there are stringent enforcement methods imposed by government sector agencies to ban vapes in Singapore, this is also complemented by a ‘softer’ approach of rehabilitation and support for quitting. The ‘carrot’ reward is further compounded with immunity, meaning vape users who voluntarily seek help will not be subject to criminal prosecution, and will not face any penalties.

As part of the Quit Vape program, those who use etomidate vaporisers can seek help at organisations including Feiyue, National Addiction Management Services, Institute of Mental Health and Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association. Uniformed service personnel who willingly come forward will also receive cessation support for them to recover and manage their addictions.

Finally, disposal methods for vaporisers are also being set up, to encourage users to get rid of their vapes anonymously. These e-vaporiser disposal bins are readily available at public spaces and institutes of higher learning, for members of the public to dispose of their vapes discreetly without drawing ire from others.

Evaluation of Strategies

How Effective are the New Laws in Limiting the Usage of K-Pods?

The Government’s firm stance on vaping draws parallels to its no-tolerance policy towards drug and drug trafficking offences. Instead of centralising all of its attention on prosecution, there has also been enhanced efforts to rehabilitate users, and providing avenues for users to quit their addiction.

When compared to other methods, however, the law has trade-offs. Some countries such as the United Kingdom have pursued harm-reduction strategies by legalising and regulating vaping as a “lesser evil” compared to smoking. While this may reduce cigarette use, it risks normalising vaping and does not align with Singapore's preventive approach. By contrast, Singapore's outright ban avoids the risk of normalisation but faces enforcement challenges, as seen in the growth of the black market for e-vaporisers despite existing restrictions.

Overall, the new laws are likely to be effective in reducing visible and mainstream vaping in Singapore, especially among youths. While they may be less effective at fully eradicating access due to underground supply channels, early indications are positive with ground sensing showing lowered trafficking activity since September. However, full success will therefore hinge on continued strict enforcement, alongside public education and support systems that address the root of nicotine addiction.

Criminal Prosecution

While recent prosecutions under the enhanced law demonstrate action against K-pod traffickers, they alone do not conclusively prove that the new framework is uniquely effective. For instance, Derek Khor Boon Chun was the first person charged under the MDA for trafficking 43 etomidate-laced vape pods in early September 2025 — just days after etomidate was reclassified as a Class C drug. Already, in that same first week under the new law, 232 persons were caught for e-vaporiser offences, with 14 confirmed to have etomidate vapes.

However, many of the enforcement tools used were already part of Singapore's regulatory regime before 1st September 2025. What the new laws bring over existing laws are stronger penalties, clearer legal footing (etomidate being a controlled drug under the MDA), and expanded powers for rehabilitation, testing and supervision that act as enhanced deterrents. These elements may raise the legal and social costs for offenders, potentially shifting behaviour more than older, lighter penalties.

Peer Vigilance in Schools

Nonetheless, these enhanced measures have also been met with concerns from students and parents. Some youths and parents were taken aback by the tough vaping laws in schools, especially with schools being treated like high-security zones, instead of places of learning. Some schools have also resorted to metal detectors, and a ‘peer vigilance’ culture, where students are urged to report classmates who vape. In addition, this tougher enforcement could lead youths to find new ways to hide their devices, or vape discreetly in their homes.

However, taking a longer-term view, these tougher enforcement measures serve to embed anti-vaping messaging in our youth from a young age. Such measures are not intended to be stand-alone “fear tactics”, and are designed to be complemented with educational campaigns aimed at combating peer pressure and the temptation to vape as previously mentioned. For this two-pronged approach to be successful going forward, collaboration between different stakeholders and the wider community is critical.

How have Singaporeans Reacted to the New Changes?

Based on responses, the local community is largely supportive of the policy change. As previously mentioned, both public and private institutions have put into place enhanced measures to prevent vape use, or have indicated they will follow the new regulations.

Additionally, there has also been support on social media from local influencers. The online community in Singapore has come forward to warn youths about the harms of vaping, and encourage youths to quit vaping through creative and engaging videos.

Conclusion

In summary, Singapore’s new vaping laws indicate a tougher stance towards vaping and drug-laced e-vaporisers, prominently etomidate. The direction set out by the Government is clear: harsher penalties for abusers and traffickers, rehabilitation support programs, and preventive public education. Institutions and public sector organisations also play a key role in enforcement, and reinforcing the Government’s efforts.Though many online netizens have come forward in support of the changes to protect youths, others have doubts over the suitability of such measures in schools. Ultimately, the success of these regulations would rely on the accessibility of cessation support for vape users. Conceding that these laws are still new, we have yet to see the impacts of the new regulations on the vaping crisis. Nonetheless, it seems like there is a greater hope for a healthier and safer Singapore.

This Policy Explainer was written by members of MAJU. MAJU is a ground-up, fully youth-led organisation dedicated to empowering Singaporean youths in policy discourse and co-creation.

By promoting constructive dialogue and serving as a bridge between youths and the Government, we hope to drive the keMAJUan (progress!) of Singapore.

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