Boy, 15, charged after being caught with vapes 5 times
The court ordered the teen's placement at the Singapore Boys' Home, a juvenile rehabilitation centre, for 24 months, starting from July 21.
According to charge sheets, the boy was caught possessing two vapes at a McDonald's restaurant at Nex shopping mall on March 19, 2024.
He was also caught with vapes on four other separate occasions from February to October 2024 at Sin Ming Avenue, 201 Serangoon Central and at a HDB void deck at Sumang Walk in Punggol.
HSA said on July 24 that the boy also faced 15 other charges from the Singapore Police Force when he was hauled to court on July 21. The Straits Times has contacted the police for more information on these charges.
In a press release in April 2024, the Ministry of Health and HSA said that the Ministry of Education will be notified when students are caught by HSA or other enforcement agencies for vaping offences outside school settings.
In addition to the penalty imposed by HSA, schools will take disciplinary action against students caught vaping, such as suspension, or caning for boys.
A study by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) published in June showed that despite Singapore's total ban on e-vaporisers since 2018, its adoption among youth has risen.
In 2024, there were 2,000 cases of students, including those from institutes of higher learning, reported for possessing or using e-vaporisers. This is up from 800 cases in 2022, and 900 cases in 2023.
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.
If you need help to quit vaping, you can join the HPB's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.
Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they use or have used vaping products.
But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted.
From July 21, the HSA has also extended the operating hours for its hotline to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays.
The HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers without facing penalties
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The bins will be progressively placed in other locations, such as institutes of higher learning. SINGAPORE - Members of the public can throw away vapes in new bins installed within community centres around Singapore without fear of punishment. On July 25, the Ministry of Health, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and People's Association launched the 'Bin The Vape' initiative. Bins have been placed at 23 community clubs (CCs) and one residents' network centre around the island, including in Punggol, Boon Lay, Mountbatten, Woodlands and Bishan. They will be progressively placed in other locations, such as at institutes of higher learning. The authorities noted that etomidate, a listed poison increasingly found in vapes here , will be classified as a Class C illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the coming weeks. In a joint news release, the authorities said: 'In the meantime, those who are using e-vaporisers and especially consuming etomidate should give up their habit as soon as possible.' The initiative is meant to encourage vape users to quit before the law catches up with them. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Singapore S'pore could have nuclear energy 'within a few years', if it decides on it: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Recap: Evacuees recount explosions and separations as Thai-Cambodia clashes continue for second day Life 'Do you kill children?': Even before independence, S'pore has always loved its over-the-top campaigns Singapore Lung damage, poor brain development, addiction: What vaping does to the body Singapore Fine for couple whose catering companies owed $432,000 in salaries to 103 employees Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly Possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000, but the authorities said no action will be taken against those who voluntarily dispose of their vapes. Members of the public can visit to locate the nearest bin. The red bin resembles a normal trash bin – but with posters of the initiative plastered on its front and top, promising a safe and confidential disposal of vapes. Its lid is secured with a lock, and a metal chain secures the bin to a pillar or other fixtures. A CCTV camera aimed at the bin deters theft of the disposed vapes and tampering. The media was invited to witness the installation of one such bin at Canberra Community Club on July 25. Canberra resident and retiree Kwan Kong Hua, 68, is not convinced, though, doubting that people who spent money on vapes would voluntarily dispose of their devices. Following the increased detection in Singapore of electronic vaporisers containing substances such as etomidate and other controlled drugs, Mr Kwan called for tougher enforcement efforts against vaping. The former delivery driver, who quit cigarette smoking about a decade ago as it affected his health, is especially concerned when he sees young vapers around the estate. Mr Kwan said: 'Sometimes, they take several puffs and stumble around unsteadily. Any kind of smoking is really harmful for their health.' Another resident, who gave his name only as Mr Adzhar, 24, knows people who vape. He said some may not give up vaping because they see it as a cheaper alternative to smoking cigarettes. Mr Adzhar, who is interning at a transport company, added: 'It's 50-50 (chance of people using the bin). There may also be people who throw their vapes to avoid being fined.' The idea for the bins was first adopted on Nov 18, 2023, by MacPherson Youth Network's 'Drop it, Stop it!' anti-vape campaign. It was co-organised with youth charity Bilby Community Development. Then MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling had said the group worked with HSA and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to waive vaping-related penalties for those who discarded their vapes. Sembawang GRC MP Ng Shi Xuan, who was then a grassroots leader in the MacPherson Youth Network, told The Straits Times on July 25 that the two-month campaign saw 70 individuals voluntarily surrender their vapes, exceeding the target of 50 people. Of the 70 who disposed of their vapes, 14 young people said they wanted to quit vaping but did not know how to begin, added Mr Ng. He said he was heartened to see the idea scaled up nationwide, and added: 'This showed us that with the right support, many are willing to take that first step. 'Don't wait until it's too late. Step forward and surrender your vape, the community is here to help you.' Mr Gopal Mahey, a senior counsellor at the Centre for Psychotherapy who works with young people who vape, said the bins could become bridges for those who need professional help. But he noted that the presence of CCTV cameras could trigger anxiety about being watched or identified, and some young people may fear the footage would be used against them. To address this, Mr Mahey said signs could be put up to reinforce confidentiality and encourage young people to speak to a trusted adult if they are struggling. Said the counsellor: 'It's also important to supplement physical interventions like bins with clear and strong messaging and assurance.' Those who need help to quit vaping can join HPB's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they are using or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. Since July 21, HSA has extended the operating hours for its Tobacco Regulation Branch hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@
AsiaOne
10 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Vape disposal bins available at 24 locations; users who surrender devices will not face penalty, Singapore News
The Ministry of Health, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and People's Association have launched a campaign encouraging vape users to kick the habit and safely dispose their devices in designated bins set up at 24 locations island-wide. Those who surrender their devices by binning them, or voluntarily seek support for quitting, will not face any penalties for doing so, said the authorities. Starting July 25, disposal bins have been placed at 23 Community Clubs and one Residents' Network Centre for members of the public to voluntarily dispose of vapes. This comes amid fresh public concern over vapes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic agent that can cause seizures and psychosis. Etomidate will be listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the next few weeks, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on July 20. [[nid:720403]] Ahead of this, HSA is encouraging users of e-vaporiser to give up their devices and related components and quit vaping through the new initiative called Bin the Vape. Bins will also be progressively placed at other locations such as the institutes of higher learning, added the health authorities. Members of the public can visit HSA's website to find their nearest bin. Vape users who want to quit and are looking for support services can approach WE CARE Community Services, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, the Institute of Mental Health or the Quitline counsellors at 1800 438 2000 for help. Persons caught using etomidate-laced vapes once the substance is listed as a Class C drug will face mandatory supervision and rehabilitation and repeat offenders can be prosecuted and subject to at least a year's jail. Those caught selling, distributing or importing etomidate-laced e-vaporisers will be subject to more severe penalties, including jail of up to 20 years and caning. [[nid:720617]]
CNA
13 hours ago
- CNA
Bins available for vape disposal at 24 locations across Singapore
SINGAPORE: Vape users are encouraged to dispose of their e-vaporisers at bins that will be placed across 24 locations in Singapore from Friday (Jul 25). The initiative is meant to help vape users quit the habit before the law catches up with them, said the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Health Sciences Authority and the People's Association (PA) in a joint release. Called "Bin the Vape", the campaign will involve e-vaporiser disposal bins being placed at 23 community clubs and one Residents' Network Centre for the public to voluntarily dispose of their devices safely. Bins will also be progressively placed at other locations, including institutes of higher learning. Those who wish to seek support for quitting, especially if they have been using etomidate e-vaporisers, may approach WE CARE Community Services, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, the Institute of Mental Health for assistance, or call Quitline counsellors at 1800 438 2000. "Persons who come forward to bin their e-vaporisers or voluntarily seek support for quitting will not face any penalties for doing so," said the authorities. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung previously announced that in the next few weeks, etomidate - a drug that has been found in vapes - will be classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Once this kicks into force, those caught using etomidate-laced e-vaporisers will be subject to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders may be prosecuted and jailed for at least a year.
