An airman vapes in a smoking area at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., in November 2019. (William OBrien/U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. military is warning service members to leave electronic cigarettes at home when traveling to Singapore, where possession of vapes is illegal and can lead to heavy fines, deportation and bans on reentry.
The warning, which has been airing on American Forces Network television, comes as Singapore has stepped up enforcement of its vaping laws since Sept. 1.
“Vaping is illegal in Singapore,” the city-state notes on its website, adding that many e-cigarettes are laced with addictive and harmful substances and pose a public health threat.
Foreigners caught with vapes face fines and confiscation for a first offense and may be deported and barred from returning for repeat violations.
Singapore hosts the Navy’s Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, which oversees logistics and sustainment for the Yokosuka, Japan-based 7th Fleet across Southeast Asia. Destroyer Squadron 7, also based in Singapore, commands littoral combat ships that rotate through the region.
The fleet did not respond to questions about whether any sailors have recently violated Singapore’s vape laws. Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a spokesman for the fleet, referred Stars and Stripes to the city-state’s vaping information website.
“The Navy conducts legal and cultural training prior to every foreign port visit to ensure Sailors serve as exemplary ambassadors while operating and living overseas,” he said by email Friday.
Singapore also classifies etomidate — an anesthetic found in some vaping products — as a controlled substance. “Kpods” — vape solutions often mixed with etomidate — have become a growing concern, The Straits Times reported Dec. 16, citing social service agencies.
“Those who import, sell or distribute etomidate e-vaporizers will face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane,” the government’s website states.
