Juvenile found repeatedly with vaping devices ordered to reside in a boys' reformatory by court ruling.
A 15-year-old boy in Singapore has been charged with 40 offences related to the possession of electronic vaporisers over a period of ten months. The incidents occurred at various locations, including Punggol, Nex mall (McDonald's), Sin Ming Avenue, and Serangoon Central, according to reports.
The boy was found in possession of vape devices on five separate occasions between February and October 2021. Each instance led to five charges, totalling 25 charges related to vaping, according to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The boy also faced an additional 15 charges brought by the Singapore Police Force during a Youth Courts hearing, bringing his total to 40 charges.
The specific details of these additional 15 charges are not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that the boy was ordered to be placed at the Singapore Boys' Home for a period of two years as a rehabilitative measure.
Singapore has strict laws regarding the possession, purchase, and use of electronic vaporisers. According to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, it is illegal to possess, purchase, or use such devices in Singapore. The penalty for possessing a vape device can result in a fine of up to S$2,000.
The boy was caught with vaporisers on five separate occasions, with the first incident occurring on February 4, 2021, at a void deck in Punggol. The second incident took place on March 19, 2021, at a McDonald's outlet in Nex shopping mall, where the boy was found with two vape devices.
The boy's identity remains undisclosed as he is under 18 years old. The court hearing where these charges were issued was closed to the public and media, so further details on the charges and penalties are unavailable at this time.
This case highlights Singapore's firm stance against vape possession, particularly among minors. The boy's 40 charges and two-year placement at the Singapore Boys' Home serve as a reminder of the serious consequences that come with breaking the country's vape laws.
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During the court hearing, the boy faced charges not only from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for vaping-related offenses but also from the Singapore Police Force, totaling 40 charges in relation to crime and justice. This case, covered under general news, underscores Singapore's emphasis on health-and-wellness, as vaping is strictly prohibited under their laws. The strict penalties for vape possession, as defined by the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, emphasize Singapore's commitment to science and public health.
