Singapore cracks down on vapes, arrests over 5,000 persons in 2024
The Singaporean Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have reported a crackdown on the use of e-vaporisers and the arrest of approximately 5,480 individuals caught in possession of the smoking implement.
All within the first half of 2024, the new figure represents more than two-thirds of the total number of offenders recorded for the entire year of 2023, Straits Times reports.
The previous year saw a notable increase in e-vaporiser-related offences, with 7,838 people cited for illegal possession or use, up from 4,916 in 2022.
Authorities added that the latest figures include approximately 690 students referred to the HSA by educational institutions and 19 individuals apprehended at key transit points, including Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, Changi Airport, Singapore Cruise Centre, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
The enforcement effort is part of a broader multi-agency initiative involving the Health Promotion Board, Ministry of Education, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, National Environment Agency, and National Parks Board.
