SINGAPORE - Stopped for checks at a metal detector near the fare gates of Bishan MRT station, a teenager dropped his leather bag and fled.

Security officers spotted him throwing something into the bushes outside the station, and discovered it was a turquoise e-vaporiser that looked like a highlighter .

The teen returned to the station to retrieve his bag and admitted the vape was his.

Mr Muhammad Altamis, station manager at Bishan MRT, confiscated the device and handed the teen’s particulars to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

This happened on Sept 29 when the media were invited by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to witness how frontline officers conducted anti-vaping patrols at Bishan bus interchange and MRT station.

Mr Muhammad Altamis, station manager at Bishan MRT, confiscated the teen's vape and handed his case over to HSA.

ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

About 60 people have been caught for vaping offences at MRT stations and bus interchanges, and on trains, buses, public paths and roads, between Aug 18 and Sept 29. LTA had announced stepped-up enforcement efforts on Aug 18 .

And over 90 per cent of the cases on public transport, or about 40 cases, were caught through security screening, via X-ray machines and walk-through metal detectors at MRT stations.

The spokeswoman said frontline staff from LTA and the public transport operators (PTOs) are empowered under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sales) Act to serve notices and seize vapes before handing them over to HSA.

The spokeswoman said besides using surveillance cameras, PTO staff members conduct patrols, random inspections and checks to catch people who vape.

Meanwhile, LTA enforcement officers look out for such offenders on roads, active mobility paths and at public transport facilities.

Mr Romel Cajandab Sangalla, senior station manager at Bishan MRT, recalled a case on Sept 17 when a 33-year-old man was caught with five vapes in his backpack.

Certis Cisco security officers initially detected only three vapes via the metal detector, but a second scan revealed two more devices. HSA issued him a fine.

Mr Romel Cajandab Sangalla, a senior station manager at Bishan MRT, doing his rounds on a train to warn commuters about vaping offences.

ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

Mr Romel said: “(The man) was afraid to lose his job. But he needs to take responsibility for bringing an e-vaporiser onto public transport.”

When passengers use vapes on the train, Mr Romel said station staff would request for them to alight and check if they have any such devices.

Should the passengers be uncooperative or show symptoms of etomidate addiction, Mr Romel said staff will alert the Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) and emergency services if needed.

Mr Desmond Chi, a supervisor at Bishan bus interchange , said they conduct patrols every two hours around the premises to check for people using vapes.

No cases have been detected there so far.

Mr Desmond Chi, a supervisor at Bishan bus interchange, patrols around smoking corners and looks out for people who vape.

ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

Mr Chi said: “We will check whether they are raising their hands to mouth discreetly, and if they emit any fruity flavours when they smoke.”

He added that bus captains who notice passengers vaping will inform their operations control centre, then stop at the nearest bus stop and inform them that their case will be handed over to HSA.

Should the passenger alight, the bus captain will hand over closed-circuit television footage of the passenger to TransCom.

Certis Cisco officers demonstrating a security screening at Bishan MRT station on Sept 29.

ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

There have been several incidents of a

national serviceman

, a teenager and a woman vaping on public buses and MRT trains.

have been granted powers to act against vape-related offences.

On Sept 22, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament that more than 10,000 vaping cases had been detected by HSA in the first eight months of 2025.

More on this topic

Tougher penalties against those found possessing, using or purchasing vapes took effect on Sept 1

due to the urgent situation involving vapes

especially those laced with etomidate, also known as Kpods .

First-time Kpod abusers will be fined $700 if they are above 18. Those under 18 will be handed a $500 fine. These offenders must attend rehabilitation for up to six months.

Repeat abusers will be given mandatory supervision for six months.

Kpod abusers who are aged 16 and above, and caught for the third time or more will undergo a 12-month regime, which includes treatment in a drug rehabilitation centre followed by drug testing and supervision.

To report vaping-related offences, call the HSA hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays. Reports can also be made online at 

www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at 

stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg