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Court to assess if teen who advertised vapes for sale on WhatsApp can receive probation
Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. PHOTO: ST FILE
SINGAPORE – A teenager advertised she had vapes for sale, prompting a raid of her home by the authorities who discovered seven such devices.
On Aug 19, Albee Chai Buo Yin, 19, pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing an imitation tobacco product, and one charge for advertising the sale of vapes on messaging platform WhatsApp.
A probation suitability report has been called for Chai, who will return to court on Sept 30 to be sentenced.
A third charge for the sale of three disposable vapes will be taken into consideration during her sentencing.
The court heard that on Oct 24, 2024, Chai had published an advertisement on WhatsApp, claiming that she had an assortment of e-vaporisers for sale.
On Dec 19, 2024, officers from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) raided Chai’s residence in Jurong West after they received information on Chai’s suspected using and dealing of e-vaporisers.
During the search, the officers found six disposable vapes, and one vape device fitted with a vape pod. Chai later admitted that the seven devices were all for her personal consumption.
Officers also went through Chai’s phone and uncovered messages revealing that she had assisted her friends in purchasing vapes. Investigations show the vapes were purchased in Johor Bahru and delivered in Singapore.
Possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.
Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
Those found possessing or using pods containing etomidate – an ingredient classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act – can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.
On July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that as an interim measure, the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
Under the MDA, users can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres.
Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.
Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as joining the programme does not presume they use or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted.
