A Primary 4 student was targeted by teenage vape sellers near Fairfield Methodist School.

In a troubling incident that has sparked concern among parents and educators, a Primary 4 student from Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) was approached by two teenagers offering to sell him a vape device. The episode, which occurred on July 25 near Dover Rise, has prompted swift action from the school and authorities.

Vape Sales Attempt Sparks Safety Alert

The incident took place in broad daylight at a pedestrian crossing along Dover Rise, between Fairfield Methodist School and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. Two teenagers allegedly approached the boy and tried to sell him an e-vaporiser. Fortunately, the child declined and walked away, though he was reportedly mocked by the teens for doing so.

The school was notified immediately, and Principal Soh Mei Foong confirmed that the authorities were alerted on the same day, July 25. The school then issued internal safety reminders and notified parents via the Parents Gateway app on July 30.

Stronger Surveillance and Parental Involvement

In response to the incident, Fairfield Methodist School increased surveillance in areas surrounding the school, especially after school hours. Students were reminded not to engage with strangers and to report suspicious behavior to trusted adults.

MP Rachel Ong of Tanjong Pagar GRC posted about the incident the same day on social media, calling it a wake-up call. “Thankfully, he knew to walk away, but not all children may know how to respond,” she said, urging parents to proactively educate their children.

Parents have since mobilized, using chat groups to share information and coordinate vigilance efforts around the school.

Alarming Rise in Student Vaping Cases

The number of students caught with vapes in Singapore has surged. According to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, 2,000 cases were reported in 2024—more than double from 900 in 2023 and 800 in 2022. These include students from primary schools to tertiary institutions.

Possessing or using vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000 in Singapore. Those who distribute, import, or sell them may face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Government Intensifies Anti-Vape Campaign

To address this growing issue, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has collaborated with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Health Promotion Board since 2023 to issue joint advisories to parents. These efforts aim to educate both children and families about the dangers of vaping and its legal consequences.

School staff are also equipped with resources and protocols for identifying and reporting vaping-related offenses. Notices about the harmful effects of vaping are now commonly displayed in schools, including Fairfield’s canteen and foyer.

Etomidate Classified As Controlled Drug

At a media event on July 30, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam highlighted the urgent need for parental and school-based education. He also announced that etomidate—an anesthetic often found in vape pods—would be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The move follows lab results showing that one in three vapes seized from the public contained etomidate. While school-seized devices tested earlier did not contain it, the government refuses to rule out the risk of its presence in school environments.

This incident highlights a growing public safety concern not only in Singapore but also regionally. With children being targeted in broad daylight, there is now a critical need for stronger community awareness, school-based vigilance, and enforcement. For Indonesian and regional audiences, the situation underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent similar threats near schools and public spaces.

Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Mothership (2025)

Keywords: Fairfield Methodist School, Vape Incident Dover, Primary 4 Student, Singapore Schools, Teen Vape Peddlers