Singapore e-cigarette enforcement action: Nearly 4000 students arrested within 3 months, accounting for 20% of cases

Singapore e-cigarette enforcement action: Nearly 4000 students arrested within 3 months, accounting for 20% of cases

Between July 1 and September 30, 2024, 3840 people were punished for possessing or using electronic cigarettes in Singapore, with 743 students reported. The Ministry of Health calls for increased supervision and law enforcement in communities and schools.

According to Berita Harian on October 23, a total of 3840 people in Singapore were arrested and fined for possession or use of electronic cigarettes from July 1 to September 30, 2024. This number has increased by 52% compared to the previous quarter.

According to a joint statement released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Science Administration (HSA), among these cases are 743 cases of students using e-cigarettes referred by schools and higher education institutions (IHL). Among them, 591 cases were discovered during community law enforcement patrols, 44 cases were discovered during law enforcement operations around higher education institutions, and 16 cases were detected at checkpoints.

HSA has been monitoring online content to identify individuals using e-cigarettes in public places or holding e-cigarettes in photos or videos. In July and August 2024, HSA imposed out of court fines on five individuals who used e-cigarettes in this way and has deleted related videos and photos on Instagram and TikTok.

From July 1st to September 30th, 2024, HSA and the Immigration and Inspection Agency (ICA) conducted multiple operations at air, land, and sea checkpoints, inspecting approximately 4000 visitors, of whom 16 were arrested for carrying electronic cigarettes.

MOH and HSA said that if transport and drivers bring illegal tobacco products into Singapore, they will be subject to law enforcement action. Foreigners who commit this crime will be deported and prohibited from re-entry.