August 29, 2025 | 01:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Singapore will take strict action against foreign nationals, including tourists and migrant workers, found with vapes containing etomidate. Those caught with the substance will face penalties ranging from fines, imprisonment, deportation, to being banned from entering Singapore.
This decision follows a recent government announcement that etomidate will be classified as a Class C drug on September 1, 2025. Possession or consumption of a Class C drug carries a more severe punishment, which can include imprisonment and caning.
Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam announced the new penalties, including fines and deportation for foreign nationals, during a press conference on Thursday, August 28, 2025. He stated that foreign nationals visiting or residing in Singapore must abide by Singaporean laws and will face the same penalties for vaping.
Dangers of Vape Contents
Shanmugam emphasized that vapes now contain etomidate and potentially more dangerous substances that can have serious effects on the brain. These effects can lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, uncontrollable physical movements, and suicidal behavior. He asserted that these strict measures are being taken to prevent the situation from escalating further.
"It’s not yet a problem that’s out of control, but we see it as an increasing problem. And we don’t want to wait until it goes out of control, so we move in early," said Shanmugam, who also serves as the Minister for Coordinating National Security, as reported by Channel News Asia.
Consequences for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals in Singapore caught with a vape will have it confiscated and will be issued a written detention order or a fine without court prosecution. Under the new law, individuals under 18 caught using a vape will face a S$500 fine, or approximately Rp6.4 million fine, for a first offense, while those 18 and above will have to pay S$700 or around Rp8.9 million.
For a second offense, violators must undergo three months of rehabilitation. Third and subsequent violations will result in prosecution and a maximum fine of S$2,000.
The same penalties are likely to apply to foreign nationals, but repeat foreign offenders will face additional consequences. Tourists or short-term pass holders will be prohibited from re-entering Singapore.
Long-term pass holders, such as migrant workers or students, may have their permits or immigration facilities revoked on the third violation, followed by deportation and a ban from re-entering Singapore.
Foreign nationals caught with etomidate-containing vapes or who test positive for the substance will have their permits revoked, be deported, and immediately banned from re-entering Singapore.
As reported by Mothership, Shanmugam added that "leniency will be exercised for young persons" if they are long-term pass holders and commit their first offense. He also noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs is aware of the potential impact on families and will review each appeal on a case-by-case basis.
Announcements on Flights and Disposal Options
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who also attended the press conference, stated that announcements about penalties for vape possession will be made on flights entering Singapore. This measure aims to encourage visitors to dispose of their vape devices before arrival.
This will be an addition to existing announcements about other prohibited items, including drugs and chewing gum.
Transit passengers at Singapore's Changi Airport will be able to dispose of vape devices at red-colored vape disposal points located throughout the airport terminal and Singapore.
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