Man allegedly spotted vaping on bus wearing military uniform was held in SAF custody, Singapore News
AsiaOne understands that he has since been released.
A video shared by SGFollowsAll recently went viral showing the individual, dressed in a No. 4 military uniform, taking several puffs from a pink device, presumably an e-vapouriser.
Mindef told AsiaOne in a statement today (Aug 2) that the man had been identified and put in SAF custody to assist with the investigation.
The ministry said that SAF takes a "serious view" on the possession and use of vapes by service personnel and called it "both a matter of military discipline and an offence under national law".
Offenders could be fined up to $1,000 or detained if the devices are found to be laced with controlled drugs.
"Besides enforcement, the SAF also undertakes awareness and education efforts, and provides cessation counselling and support," the ministry added. "Service personnel are encouraged to speak to their commanders or medical officers if they require help." Vape seizures and disposal bins
Between January 2024 and March 2025, over 17,900 people were caught for possession and use of e-vapourisers, with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seizing over $41 million worth of devices and components in 50 operations.
Sixty people aged between 17 and 43 were also prosecuted for selling vapes.
Starting July 25, the Ministry of Health (MOH), HSA and People's Association have placed vape disposal bins at 24 locations around the island for people to willingly curb their habit and safely dispose of their vaping paraphernalia.
This comes after recent public concerns about vapes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic agent that can cause seizures and psychosis which has been deemed a Controlled Substance under the Poisons Act.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed that a third of vapes seized in Singapore were such 'Kpods'.
The purchase, possession and use of e-vaporisers is illegal under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act and offenders can be fined up to $2,000.
Possessing or supplying pods containing etomidate can result in jail of up to two years and/or a fine of up to $10,000 under the Poisons Act.
As an interim measure, etomidate will be listed as a Class C drug and subsequently, persons caught using etomidate-laced vapes will face mandatory supervision and rehabilitation, and penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
[[nid:720471]]
drimac@asiaone.com
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He also confirmed that several deaths here have been linked to etomidate abuse. [[nid:720786]] Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in a few weeks' time. This means that abusers and traffickers of Kpods may be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. HSA has also extended the operating hours of its vaping reporting hotline, and launched a new online platform for the reporting of vaping activities. On July 30, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam announced that the ministry will second its officers to HSA to assist with enforcement efforts, including the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers. Members of the public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch by calling 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. If you need help to quit vaping, you can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 (for those aged 13 to 25) (for those aged 12 to 25) ALSO READ: Tan Kiat How 'heartened' as vape disposal bin in Bedok half-filled in just 4 days This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
