Further spike in number of people caught using, possessing electronic vaporisers so far in 2022

SINGAPORE — The number of people caught using and possessing electronic vaporisers, or e-vaporisers, has spiked again in the first eight months of 2022 with 3,921 offenders nabbed by the authorities.

The figure, released on Tuesday (Sept 27) by the Health Sciences Authority,  represents a proportionate increase on the 4,697 who were caught in 2021, which in turn was more than treble the 1,266 cases in 2020.

The average monthly figure so far in 2022 is about 490, up from a monthly average of about 391 in 2021.

In its statement, the HSA said 428 persons have been caught for selling e-vaporisers from 2018 to August 2022, with 91 prosecuted in the same period.

TODAY has asked HSA about the number of people prosecuted for the use and possession of vapes since Feburary 2018, when a ban on the purchase, use and possession of e-vaporisers and other devices that resemble tobacco products took effect.

In its statement, the HSA said that it is enforcing the ban on e-vaporisers in various ways, such as by working together with other agencies “to stem the flow of e-vaporisers smuggled through the checkpoints and via online orders”.

It said that it also "conducts active online surveillance" and monitors local online retail sites, social media platforms and messaging apps.

The authority also works with the Ministry of Health, the Health Promotion Board and the Ministry of Education to address the possession and use of e-vaporisers in schools through "targeted education and enforcement strategies for youth”. 

The HSA added: “Singapore adopts a multi-pronged approach to tackle the use of e-vaporisers, comprising legislation, enforcement, public education and counselling.”

Persons convicted of selling, importing or distributing e-vaporisers can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000 or both for the first offence.

Those convicted of possession, use or purchase of e-vaporisers can be fined up to S$2,000.