A 17-year-old Singaporean boy appeared in a district court on September 3 after being accused of possessing a vape device containing a cannabis-related substance on February 18.
The teenager, together with another boy who was also 17 at the time but is now 18, faces allegations of trafficking methamphetamine and cannabis on the same day.
Both cannot be named due to protections under the Children and Young Persons Act, which shields the identities of those under 18 who are charged with offences.
According to ST, the younger boy received seven charges, including vaping-related offences and several counts of drug trafficking.
At around 5pm on February 18, both teenagers were allegedly involved in trafficking a variety of drugs near Block 94 Toa Payoh Lorong 4.
Authorities reported they were in possession of:
- Two packets containing nearly 26.3g of methamphetamine
- 25 packets of vegetable matter containing over 31g of cannabis
Later that evening, the younger boy was allegedly found in a Jurong West flat with a vape device that contained a cannabis substance.
The younger boy is expected to plead guilty on October 13, while the older boy’s case will be heard again on September 8.
Government’s Tougher Stand on Vaping
The case comes amid Singapore’s tougher stance on vaping, which the government now treats as a drug-related offence.During the National Day Rally on August 17, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced stiffer penalties for vape possession, use, and sales.
As of September 1: Offenders face higher fines — $500 for those under 18 and $700 for adults (up from $300 and $500).
Recalcitrant users may be placed under rehabilitation. Those caught with synthetic drug-laced vapes such as Kpods (containing ketamine or etomidate) face rehabilitation, supervision, or detention. Sellers of Kpods face harsher punishments under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Youth at the Heart of Vaping Surge
On August 28, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted that young people make up the majority of vaping-related offenders.
Data shows that:
- Over 80% of etomidate abusers are under 30.
- More than half of those caught vaping are also under 30.
Mr Ong warned that many youths mistakenly believe vaping is less harmful than cigarettes, leading them into substance abuse “out of curiosity, coercion, or ignorance.”
Authorities encourage the public to report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (9am to 9pm daily) or via www.go.gov.sg/reportvape.
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