Experts call for more action to curb supply

A discipline master, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that since September, the number of such students has overtaken those caught for vaping.

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"From the start of September, there was a drastic change... The number of students detained for vaping has decreased tremendously, but the number of students smoking (contraband cigarettes) has gone up terribly," he said.

He had previously told ST that his institute handled an average of about 200 cases - mostly vaping offences - a month over a three-month period from October 2022.

The students were nabbed with e-vaporisers on school grounds or beyond its premises.

Since Sept 1, the authorities have enhanced the penalties for those caught possessing, using or buying vapes, while recalcitrant users may be required to undergo rehabilitation.