Over 2,700 people fined for vape offences since Sept 1

More than 2,700 people have been fined for vape-related offences since tougher penalties came into effect on Sept 1.

- Rhea Yasmine

In a joint statement on Dec 18, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said that of the 2,710 people caught and fined between September and November, 2,453 were general vape offenders. Meanwhile, 257 people were found in possession of vapes containing etomidate.

Among them, 162 people have been placed on rehabilitation programmes at the Institute of Mental Health and social service agencies.

Six are foreigners who have been repatriated or are pending repatriation, 18 are currently jailed for offences unrelated to vapes, and one has been issued a conditional warning.

Three people have been charged in court for failing to attend their first rehabilitation appointment. They could be jailed for up to two years. In addition, 18 repeat vape offenders have been placed on the Health Promotion Board's rehabilitation programme.

Fourteen have been compliant with their rehabilitation programme, with four defaulters undergoing investigations.

There are currently five people who have failed to attend their first rehabilitation after they were investigated for etomidaterelated and vape offences.

If prosecuted, etomidate offenders could face a fine of up to $10,000 or be jailed for up to two years, or both. Vape offenders could face a fine of up to $2,000.