From April 1 to June 30, 2026, Singaporean authorities caught and penalised 2,428 individuals for possessing and using vaporisers, including 457 offenders specifically using etomidate vaporisers. Nine people were charged for the alleged import or supply of etomidate, according to a joint press release by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Tuesday, August 11.

During this period, an average of 809 cases were detected monthly, marking a roughly 30% decrease compared to the 1,219 cases per month recorded between June and August 2025, prior to the implementation of stricter vaping measures on September 1, 2025.

Among those caught in the second quarter, 264 individuals were placed on mandatory rehabilitation programmes, bringing the total number of people enrolled in such programmes to 787 since September 1, 2025. The enhanced regulatory framework requires first-time etomidate vaporiser offenders and second-time vape offenders to undergo rehabilitation, with court charges for those who fail to attend or complete the programme.

Authorities noted that 245 offenders have successfully completed rehabilitation, including a 15-year-old boy caught vaping for the second time in February 2026. The boy completed a three-month programme conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) in May, with his father reporting positive behavioural changes.

However, 288 individuals defaulted on rehabilitation from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Additionally, 19 people were caught importing regular vaporisers during intensified checkpoint operations by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and HSA.

HSA also collaborated with e-commerce and social media platforms to remove over 600 online listings of vaporisers and related components in the second quarter. No individuals were caught posting vaping-related photos or videos on social media during this time.

Singapore maintains a strict stance against travellers attempting to bring prohibited tobacco products into the country, with penalties including fines and possible prosecution for transport companies and drivers involved in importation. Foreigners convicted of vaping offences will be deported after serving their sentences and barred from re-entering Singapore.

Authorities continue to adopt a comprehensive approach combining preventative education, firm disciplinary measures, and cessation support. For vaping cases not involving etomidate, HPB offers the "I Quit" programme to assist individuals in quitting, accessible via HPB's QuitLine at 1800 438 2000.

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