EIGHT Singaporeans have been arrested following the Central Narcotics Bureau’s (CNB) first major enforcement operation since tougher laws on vape-related offences came into effect on 1 September.
According to The Straits Times, the six-hour operation on Wednesday involved more than 20 CNB officers, including members of the agency’s Special Task Force, which handles high-risk operations such as house raids and suspect pursuits.
Authorities conducted raids at multiple locations, including Telok Blangah Rise, Hougang and Boon Lay Drive. During the operation, more than 400 pods of electronic cigarettes – believed to contain the sedative etomidate – were seized alongside various other vape-related products and S$22,000 in cash.
Among those arrested was a 26-year-old man suspected of being a vape distributor operating out of a three-room flat in Telok Blangah. He was apprehended at around 6pm in the void deck of the block while allegedly transacting with a 28-year-old buyer. Both men attempted to flee but were swiftly caught by CNB officers.
Subsequent checks at the unit led to the arrest of another 26-year-old man believed to be an accomplice, while a 23-year-old buyer was arrested outside the flat.
In a separate high-speed chase along Braddell Road, CNB officers intercepted and arrested a male motorcyclist at around 6pm.
Four other individuals were arrested in the Hougang and Boon Lay areas. At a flat in Hougang Avenue 9, two men aged 29 and 32 were detained on suspicion of drug-related offences.
In a separate raid, a 23-year-old man was arrested at his home in Boon Lay, where several vape products were found. Among the items seized were five vape pods also believed to contain etomidate.
An 18-year-old woman was also arrested after being found in possession of vape pods, commonly referred to as Kpods. Initial investigations suggest she had intended to collect additional pods from the 23-year-old suspect. - September 12, 2025
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