New penalties target abusers with rehab while hitting traffickers with harsher jail and caning.

From September 1, 2025, Singapore will roll out a tougher legal framework against vaping, imposing higher fines on users and mandatory caning for suppliers of Kpods — e-vaporisers laced with the drug etomidate.

Etomidate Reclassified as Class C Drug

Etomidate, previously regulated under the Poisons Act, will now be listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This makes trafficking, manufacturing, importing, exporting, possession, and consumption of the substance illegal. The change allows harsher enforcement, including mandatory caning for offenders involved in supply chains.

Harsher Penalties for Users

Currently, vape users face flat fines of S$300 (under 18) or S$500 (18 and above). From Sept 1:

• First-time offenders under 18: S$500 fine
• First-time offenders 18 and above: S$700 fine
• Second-time offenders: compulsory three-month rehabilitation programme with counselling sessions
• Third-time offenders: court prosecution under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, with fines up to S$2,000

Kpod abusers will face even stricter rehabilitation requirements of up to six months, with second-time offenders subjected to arrest, drug testing, and mandatory six-month supervision. Those who reoffend three times will be sent to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

Caning and Jail for Suppliers

From Sept 1, penalties for suppliers of Kpods will dramatically escalate:

• Importing Kpods: 3–20 years’ jail and 5–15 strokes of the cane
• Selling or distributing: 2–10 years’ jail and 2–5 strokes of the cane

Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam stressed that traffickers profit from “the misery of other people” and must be dealt with severely.

Youth-Centric Rehabilitation

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that about 80% of etomidate abusers are under 30. To help young offenders, the government will tailor programmes involving families and caregivers:

• First-time youth abusers: three-month programme with up to 10 sessions
• Second-time youth offenders: six-month programme with at least 16 sessions, plus six months’ supervision
• Repeat youth offenders: long-term supervision or placement in rehabilitation centres

Ong emphasised that rehabilitation is designed to give youths a chance to “turn over a new leaf.”

Enforcement Across Schools and Workplaces

Schools will step up spot checks and counselling, with punishments ranging from detention and suspension to expulsion for repeat offenders. Institutes of higher learning may revoke scholarships, overseas exchange opportunities, and hostel accommodation.

Civil servants, public officers, Home Team members, and SAF personnel face disciplinary action on top of legal penalties, including fines, demotion, detention, or dismissal.

Foreigners Face Seizure and Deportation

Foreign nationals caught with vapes will have items seized and be fined. Repeat offenders may face entry bans, while long-term pass holders risk pass revocation and deportation. Those testing positive for etomidate may also be deported and barred from re-entry.

Singapore’s latest crackdown marks one of the toughest anti-vaping regimes globally, combining fines and rehabilitation for users with mandatory caning for traffickers. By targeting both supply and demand, the government aims to curb the rise of etomidate-laced vapes and protect younger generations from addiction.

Sources: CNA (2025) , Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Vape Law, Kpod Suppliers Caning, Etomidate Class C Drug, Vape User Fines, Youth Rehabilitation, Vaping Ban Singapore