19-year-old Albee Chai allegedly sold and advertised vapes illegally via WhatsApp in 2024
A 19-year-old Singaporean woman is facing serious legal consequences after allegedly advertising and selling illegal vaporisers through WhatsApp, raising fresh concerns over underage vaping and digital black-market sales.
WhatsApp Ad Leads to Charges
Albee Chai Buo Yin, 19, was formally charged on July 22 for multiple vaping-related offences in Singapore. According to charge sheets, Chai allegedly shared an advertisement displaying various e-cigarettes through WhatsApp between August and December 2024. The ad reportedly promoted the sale of illegal vapes, a direct violation of Singapore’s strict tobacco control laws.
Seven Vapes Found in Jurong West
Authorities discovered seven vaporisers in a Housing Board flat in Jurong West, allegedly in Chai’s possession. In addition to being charged with possession, she is also accused of selling three disposable vaporisers. At the time of the offences, she was reportedly 18 years old.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) enforces a zero-tolerance policy on vapes, with penalties for possession reaching up to S$2,000, and distribution or sale punishable by up to six months in jail and S$10,000 in fines.
Vaping Laws and Penalties in Singapore
Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, it is illegal in Singapore to possess, use, buy, sell, distribute, or advertise vapes. More serious penalties apply when substances like etomidate—a sedative sometimes found in vape pods—are involved. In such cases, offenders may face up to two years’ imprisonment and S$10,000 in fines.
Expected Guilty Plea Next Month
Chai is expected to plead guilty on August 19, 2025. Her case is likely to be closely watched as a reflection of growing enforcement against the illegal vape market, particularly among younger Singaporeans who use encrypted or private messaging platforms like WhatsApp to evade detection.
Help Available for Vape Users
While Singapore remains tough on vaping offences, help is available for those wishing to quit. The Health Promotion Board’s “I Quit” programme offers support through its QuitLine at 1800-438-2000. Participants are not prosecuted simply for enrolling, even if they’ve used vaping products.
This case underscores Singapore’s uncompromising stance on vaping, especially among youth using private platforms for illegal sales. With Indonesia being a neighboring market where vaping remains loosely regulated, the regional implications are significant. This contrast in policy enforcement highlights the need for increased awareness, especially for Indonesians travelling to or residing in Singapore, where even possession of vapes is a serious offence.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Albee Chai, Singapore Vaping Laws, WhatsApp Vape Sale, Vape Possession, Vape Distribution, Illegal Vaping
