Police and agencies seize 340 vapes in two-week crackdown across 151 outlets.
Nearly 200 people were fined after Singapore police raided bars, pubs, and KTV lounges in August, targeting illegal vaping. Six individuals found with Kpods—vapes containing the anesthetic etomidate—now face investigation under the Poisons Act.
Two-Week Enforcement Operation
Between August 15 and 23, 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), supported by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA), carried out 16 multi-agency operations across all seven Police Land Divisions. A total of 151 pubs, bars, and KTV lounges were raided, with checks conducted on more than 1,600 patrons.
Offenders and Seizures
Authorities caught 195 individuals, aged 17 to 61, for possessing illegal vapes. They were each fined, and over 340 e-vaporisers and components were confiscated. Among them, six people were found with 11 Kpods containing etomidate, a substance regulated under the Poisons Act.
Other Arrests
The raids also led to the arrest of nine men, suspected members of unlawful societies, at various entertainment outlets. In Geylang, two women were arrested—one for overstaying and another for failing to provide particulars under the National Registration Act. Additionally, a 26-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman wanted by police were detained.
Tougher Laws for Kpods
Starting September 1, 2025, etomidate will be temporarily reclassified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Abusers face stiffer penalties:
- First-time offenders: Mandatory rehabilitation of up to six months.
- Second-time offenders: Arrest, drug testing, and six months of supervision.
- Third-time offenders (16+): Admission to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, followed by a 12-month supervision programme.
- Under-16 offenders: Placed under mandatory community supervision for 12 months.
Penalties for Suppliers
Suppliers of Kpods will face mandatory jail and caning, reflecting Singapore’s hardline stance against both drug-related and vaping offences.
The sweeping raids underline Singapore’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal vaping and controlled substances. With Kpods now classified under drug laws, both users and suppliers face significantly harsher punishments, reinforcing the country’s commitment to strict public health and security enforcement.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , Stomp (2025)
Keywords: Vape Raids Singapore, Illegal Vapes, Kpods Etomidate, Singapore Police, CNB HSA, Controlled Drugs
