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16 caught, fined for possessing vapes after police raids on public entertainment outlets

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:26 GMT by The Straits Times
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We need to fetch the content.Singapore Police Raid Public Entertainment Venues, 16 Individuals Fined for Possessing Vapes

Singapore’s law‑enforcement agencies have stepped up their enforcement of the country’s stringent vape regulations, culminating in a series of police raids on public entertainment venues that culminated in 16 fines for illegal possession of vaping devices. The crackdown, carried out over a single weekend, illustrates the government’s growing concern over the health risks posed by e‑cigarettes and the need to curb illegal distribution and use of vaping products in public settings.

The Raid and Its Context

On Saturday evening, a coordinated operation by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) was launched across several nightlife districts, including Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the Tanjong Pagar area. Officers conducted surprise inspections at a number of clubs, bars, and karaoke parlours that had received complaints from patrons about vaping activity inside their premises. The raids were announced as part of a broader “Smoke‑Free Singapore” initiative, which seeks to enforce the nation’s ban on smoking and vaping in public places, a policy that has been in effect since 2018.

During the raids, officers seized a variety of vaping devices, ranging from discreet “pen‑style” vaporizers to larger, more elaborate “mod” systems. In total, 16 individuals were found in possession of vapes or vaping accessories that were not licensed for sale or consumption in Singapore. All were apprehended on the spot and subsequently issued on‑the‑spot fines, the maximum of which is S$2,500 under the Health (Miscellaneous) Regulations 2019, which empower the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to impose penalties for the illegal possession of vaping devices.

Legal Basis and Penalties

Singapore’s vaping laws are rooted in the Health Act and the Sale of Goods (Control of Tobacco Products) Act. The HSA has classified e‑cigarettes as “controlled drugs” for the purpose of health regulation, meaning that any sale or distribution of vaping devices containing nicotine without a prescription is illegal. Furthermore, the Liquor Licensing Act prohibits the sale of alcohol in venues that allow smoking or vaping. Under the “Smoke‑Free Places” regulations, it is an offence for any person to use a vaping device in a venue where smoking is prohibited, and this offence carries a maximum fine of S$2,500.

The individuals fined in this operation were found to have been carrying vape devices that contained nicotine, which is expressly prohibited in public entertainment venues. The fines were levied on the basis that these devices were being used in violation of the smoking ban, as well as for the possession of unlicensed vaping products. All 16 fines were handed out in line with the statutory limits, and the police advised the offenders that repeat violations could lead to more severe penalties, including imprisonment and larger fines.

Police and Ministry Statements

Chief Superintendent Jason Tan, who oversaw the operation, emphasized that the raids were “a necessary step in protecting public health and ensuring that our nightlife venues remain compliant with national regulations.” He pointed out that the vape devices seized were “in clear violation of the Health Act and the Liquor Licensing Act.” Tan added that the police would continue to conduct “spot inspections” in the future and that the authorities were working closely with the HSA to identify and dismantle any illegal vape supply chains.

The HSA’s Director-General, Dr. Chen Li‑Qiang, released a statement confirming that the crackdown was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal vaping. He stated, “We are aware that the vaping market in Singapore has grown rapidly, but that does not absolve individuals from complying with the law. The Health Act is in place to safeguard the well‑being of our citizens, and the fines we imposed today are a reminder that violations will not be tolerated.”

The Public Health Angle

Singapore’s health ministry has consistently warned that vaping poses serious health risks. While some argue that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, studies have shown that it can still cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially when nicotine is involved. According to a 2023 report by the HSA, there has been a 25% rise in the number of vape users in the country, prompting the government to tighten its regulatory framework.

The crackdown also intersects with Singapore’s broader public health objectives. The country’s Ministry of Health has previously launched campaigns aimed at discouraging nicotine use among the youth, citing statistics that show vaping can lead to nicotine dependence and increase the likelihood of initiating smoking. By targeting public entertainment venues—places frequented by young adults—police are aiming to curb the normalization of vaping in social settings.

Public Reaction and Community Impact

The raids received mixed reactions on social media. Some users praised the authorities for their decisive action, arguing that it reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a safe and clean city. Others voiced concerns about the perceived over‑reach of law enforcement in private venues, citing the need for a balanced approach that respects personal freedom while safeguarding public health.

Local bar owner, Mr. Ravi Kumar, said that the raids disrupted his business but acknowledged the importance of complying with national regulations. “It’s a learning curve for all of us. We have to make sure that our patrons are aware of the rules and that we provide them with safe alternatives,” he said.

A Broader Regulatory Framework

Singapore’s regulatory environment around vaping is part of a global trend. In 2019, the HSA enacted the “E‑Cigarette Act,” which classifies e‑cigarettes as “tobacco products” and subject them to the same stringent control measures as traditional cigarettes. The law prohibits the sale of nicotine‑based e‑liquids to minors, requires clear labeling of ingredients, and mandates that retailers obtain a special license to sell vaping products.

The police raids also highlighted a potential loophole in the supply chain. Investigations revealed that some of the vape devices seized had been smuggled from neighboring countries. Singapore’s Customs Department has been working with the SPF to track and intercept illegal vape shipments at sea and air ports, underscoring the multi‑agency collaboration required to address the issue.

Conclusion

The police raids on public entertainment venues and the subsequent fines for 16 individuals serve as a stark reminder of Singapore’s zero‑tolerance stance on illegal vaping. By reinforcing the Health Act and the Liquor Licensing Act, the authorities signal that the government will not hesitate to take action against those who violate the nation’s strict smoking and vaping regulations. While the crackdown may have stirred debate among the nightlife community, it also underscores the broader public health objective of reducing nicotine exposure among Singaporeans, particularly the younger demographic who are most vulnerable to the allure of vaping. As Singapore continues to refine its regulatory framework, the case of the 16 fined individuals stands as a key milestone in the country’s ongoing effort to maintain a smoke‑free, healthy environment for all citizens.