When Vaping Is Criminalized

It comes to something when a lifesaving hobby becomes literally a matter of life and death – however in Singapore where vaping is outlawed this is exactly what it means to be a vaper.

The story of Vaper X is a few months old now – but shows the lengths some ignorant governments will go to smash vaping – literally.

In the strange world we’re living in I am forced to call him Vaper X because he really does fear retribution from his government should his identity be leaked.

Up until a year ago vaping and vape products were perfectly legal in Singapore. However that all changed in 2015 when vaping and the possession of vaping products was banned overnight making it a criminal offence.

Vaping in Secret to Avoid the Cops

Vaper X had quit smoking and taken up vaping for health reasons and despite the ban decided to carry on:

“Obviously didn’t stop vaping for health reasons and it had already became a huge hobby of mine. I have always been a low profile vaper. I only vaped at home and in my office. Never in public. I’ve never sold a single mod or a bottle of juice” he said.

With his only option to buy online he did so only to realize a package of vape products bought for personal use had been seized by customs and had become a full-blown criminal investigation.

And yeah the police kicked his door in – wrecked his home and found a whole host of vaping equipment.

Unbelievably they checked his phone demanding, during interrogation, for him to, if you like, ‘grass’ on his contacts who were also vapers.

To his credit he was able to resist giving up names but was told he faced a fine of up to $20,000 or be sent to jail for a year – or both.

“Yes, I can possibly go to jail because I vape. Alone. At home” he said.

And all this for being a vaper – it truly beggars belief.

Government Clamp Down on Vaping and Vapers

Despite the stress and with no chance of vaping again Vaper X tried approved nicotine products and every device known to man including high strength patches.

However after 3 weeks of trying and 3 years of none smoking the stress became too much and he bought and smoked his first packet of cigarettes.

“I hate myself as I smoked but at the same time it provided me with the relief. I still smoke now but the hatred for both the government and myself brews every time I light one up.”

Sadly the story of Vaper X is but one in hundreds of similar tales coming out of Singapore.

Vapers homes and businesses are raided regularly and many vapers are now awaiting trial.

The UK government has tried to intervene pointing out e-cigarettes and vaping are a better alternative to smoking – however this has fallen on deaf ears.

The Singapore government won’t be drawn on the matter apart from a curt, and one has to say ignorant, comment:

“Vaporisers may contain cancer causing agents and could possibly be a gateway for children and teenagers to start smoking.”

A strange comment given smoking – proven beyond doubt to cause cancer – is allowed.

Here in the west we know this to be untrue and with more and more research and more and more facts coming out to back this up surely it can only be a matter of time before Vaper X and his mates can vape on without the threat of a huge fine or imprisonment.

One can hope.

Vaper X Scared But Hopeful

So today as you are told you cannot vape in a pub or restaurant – despite that being a ridiculous rule – imagine being one of our Singapore vaping brothers and sisters.

I’ll leave the last word to Vaper X:

“We’ve never harmed anyone. We never sold any vaping products. And yet we are being prosecuted.

I’m posting this on public wifi so I can only answer questions for the next hour or so.

This account will never be used again. Sorry for the paranoia, but I have to be careful.

I’m signing off now. Thanks for all the comments and questions.

I’ll continue to read your comments but I’ll never login here again.

May vaping be accepted worldwide soon. Vape well guys, I hope I’ll be back with you guys soon. I miss vaping.”

Vape On dude…