Singapore To Impose Harsher Penalties For E-cigarette Violations Starting From September

On the 28th, the Singaporean government announced that from September 1st, penalties for illegal activities related to e-cigarettes will be intensified, especially cracking down on the act of consuming and selling e-cigarettes containing prohibited drug components.
According to the new penalty regulations released by the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore, starting from September 1st, penalties for those who possess, consume or purchase e-cigarettes will be increased. First-time offenders will face higher fines, repeat offenders will be forced to participate in a three-month rehabilitation program for addiction or face even harsher penalties.
Starting from September 1st, the Singaporean government will classify "etomidate" as a "C-class drug" under the "Drug Abuse Act". This measure is in effect for a temporary period of six months, serving as the basis for the intensified penalties. During this period, the Ministry of Health of Singapore has formulated stricter laws regarding the abuse of e-cigarettes and etomidate, and it is expected to come into effect in the first quarter of 2026.
According to the new regulations, anyone who possesses, consumes and purchases e-cigarettes containing harmful components such as etomidate will not only have to pay higher fines but also undergo a mandatory supervision and rehabilitation program for up to six months; repeat offenders will face even harsher penalties. Those who import, sell or distribute such e-cigarettes will face a maximum of 15 strokes of the cane and a maximum of 20 years in prison.

According to Reuters, Singapore banned e-cigarettes in 2018. Recently, due to noticing the rampant use of e-cigarettes containing harmful components such as etomidate, the government decided to increase law enforcement efforts and intensify penalties. Data from the Singaporean government shows that in July this year, among the e-cigarettes seized, random tests revealed that one-third contained etomidate.
Etomidate is a sedative-type psychotropic drug, usually used for intravenous anesthesia induction or as an anesthesia assistant in clinical settings. Consuming e-cigarettes containing etomidate can cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, convulsions, confusion in consciousness, etc. Severe cases may suffer from epilepsy, organ failure or even death.