TARGETING SUPPLIERS
HSA and ICA conducted several joint operations at the air, land and sea checkpoints, checking more than 4,000 travellers in the third quarter of the year.
On Jul 17, a Malaysian driver who was driving a Malaysia-registered lorry was stopped by ICA officers at Tuas Checkpoint.
“The driver had attempted to smuggle more than 20,000 e-vaporisers and components with a street value of more than S$300,000 (US$227,000) into Singapore,” said HSA and MOH.
“The driver was detained and handed over to HSA for further investigations.”
While under investigation, he attempted to leave Singapore illegally and was caught by ICA on Jul 19. He was sentenced to 28 weeks’ jail on Aug 28.
“It is illegal for travellers to bring prohibited tobacco products like e-vaporisers into Singapore. Travellers found with e-vaporisers or their components will be fined,” said the authorities.
“Transport companies and drivers bringing prohibited tobacco products into Singapore will be subjected to enforcement actions. Convicted foreigners will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore.”
HSA also targeted vape suppliers over the past few months.
On Jul 7, officers targeted a vape distribution ring at Paya Lebar involving maids.
“HSA officers intercepted 10 individuals – eight buyers, as well as two female sellers, aged 44 and 39, before any transaction took place,” said the authorities.
Eight vapes and assorted components, as well as illegal medicine, were seized. The two sellers are currently assisting in investigations.
HSA also busted an illegal distribution network in Tampines on Aug 21, seizing over 2,000 vapes and components with a street value of over S$39,000.
Eight people, aged 26 to 35, were caught distributing vapes in their vehicles at an open-air car park. All eight are assisting in investigations.
HSA also worked with the administrators of local e-commerce and social media platforms to remove more than 1,900 listings of vapes and components in the third quarter. This is more than three times the number compared with the same period in 2023.
