{
  "id": 550758,
  "title": "More than 2,400 people caught vaping in second quarter of 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/more-than-2-400-people-caught-vaping-in-second-quarter-of-2026",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T09:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vaping-offenders-caught-etomidate-moh-hsa-6311451"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the second quarter of 2026, authorities in Singapore apprehended over 2,400 individuals for vaping-related offenses, marking a decline from the previous year. Among those caught, 457 were penalized for possessing etomidate vaporisers, the most illicit form of vaping device. Nine people were also charged for allegedly importing or supplying etomidate.\n\nThe Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reported that an average of 809 cases were caught each month during this period, a 30% decrease compared to the 1,219 cases per month between June and August 2025, prior to stricter measures. Of the 2,428 people caught, 264 were enrolled in rehabilitation programs, bringing the total to 787 since September 2025.\n\nFirst-time and repeat offenders of etomidate vaporisers are now mandated to undergo mandatory rehabilitation. Of those onboarded, 245 successfully completed their programs, including a 15-year-old boy who completed a three-month program in May. Despite 288 people defaulting on rehabilitation, 41 have been charged and serving their sentences, while 152 are in court proceedings and 95 are under ongoing investigation.\n\nAuthorities seized over S$880,000 worth of etomidate pods and seized 3,900 vaporisers and components during intensified operations. Nine individuals were charged for importing or supplying etomidate vaporisers, with six suspected of being part of a transnational syndicate. The authorities maintain a strict stance against the importation of prohibited tobacco products, with penalties ranging from fines to deportation for foreigners.",
  "summary": "Of those caught, 457 were etomidate vaporiser offenders.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}