Key Points:
- Suspect: 19-year-old Albee Chai Buo Yin.
- Charges: Possession of imitation tobacco products and advertising vape sales on WhatsApp.
- Seized items: Six disposable vapes and one vape device fitted with a pod.
- Sentencing progress: A probation suitability report has been ordered; sentencing is set for September 30. A third charge for the sale of three disposable vapes will be considered during sentencing.
- Legal consequences: Possessing or using vapes carries a maximum fine of S$2,000. Distributing or selling them can result in up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$10,000. If the vape pods contain etomidate, penalties can be as high as two years’ imprisonment and a fine of S$10,000.
According to The Straits Times on August 19, a Singapore teenager was arrested after advertising the sale of vapes on WhatsApp. On the same day, she admitted to two charges in court. The accused, Albee Chai Buo Yin, 19, was charged with possession of imitation tobacco products and with advertising vape sales online.
Case details showed that on October 24, 2024, Chai posted an advertisement on WhatsApp claiming she had various vape devices for sale. Following a tip-off, officers from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) raided her Jurong West residence on December 19, 2024.
During the raid, officers seized six disposable vapes and one vape device fitted with a pod. Chai admitted that these devices were for her personal use. Investigations further revealed that she had helped friends purchase vapes, which were sourced from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and delivered into Singapore.
The court has called for a probation suitability report, and Chai will return for sentencing on September 30. Another charge regarding her sale of three disposable vapes will be taken into consideration during sentencing.
Under Singapore law, possession, use, or purchase of vapes carries a maximum fine of S$2,000. Importing, distributing, or selling vapes and their components can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to S$10,000. Furthermore, if vape pods are found to contain etomidate, an anesthetic regulated under the Poisons Act, offenders may face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to S$10,000.
In July, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that etomidate would soon be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as an interim measure. Under the MDA, users may be subjected to supervision, mandatory rehabilitation programmes, or commitment to drug rehabilitation centres.
The government has also reminded the public that those who want to quit vaping can call the QuitLine (1800-438-2000) and join the Health Promotion Board’s “I Quit” programme without fear of prosecution, as participation in the programme does not presume prior use of vaping products. However, anyone caught possessing or using vapes will still face legal consequences.
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