11-year-old among three fined for vaping, one arrested for suspected etomidate use in Punggol
Three people were fined for vaping, and a 17-year-old was arrested for suspected etomidate use during an anti-vape operation in Punggol.Summary
An anti-vape enforcement operation in Punggol on April 30 resulted in three people being fined for vaping, including an 11-year-old. Separately, a 17-year-old was arrested for a suspected repeat etomidate offence, with his urine testing positive for the drug. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized four vapes and related components, including one pod suspected to contain the anaesthetic agent etomidate. The device has been sent for testing. New anti-vaping laws that impose stricter penalties in Singapore came into effect on May 1. Those found vaping can be fined up to $10,000, up from a maximum fine of $2,000 previously. Those caught vaping etomidate can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to 10 years, or both. In the last four months of 2025, a total of 3,534 people were caught and fined for owning and using vapes. Of these, 3,168 were vape offenders, and 366 were Kpod abusers. Kpods are vape devices laced with etomidate. The HSA also stated that five males, aged between 17 and 20, were caught for underage smoking during the operation and have been referred to the Health Promotion Board for cessation counselling.
(Source：The Straits Times)
