Prices of tobacco products have risen following the recent increase in taxes, but attempts to smuggle illegal alternatives have been a long-standing phenomenon.
Recently, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 20,000 e-vaporisers disguised as chicken-flavoured snacks.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigations.
On 3 Feb, ICA officers noticed anomalies in the X-ray images of a Malaysia-registered lorry at Woodlands Checkpoint. Officers then directed the sus vehicle for enhanced checks.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The contraband items were found hidden within the consignment. The boxes were initially declared as “snack items”.
A report by The Straits Times (ST) said that the e-vaporisers were disguised as chicken-flavoured snacks.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The case has since been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigations.
“As Guardians of Our Borders, ICA is committed to facilitating trade & safe travels while keeping Singapore’s borders safe & secure,” stated ICA.
Citing figures from HSA, ST reports that there were four times the number of people caught in 2022 for using and possessing e-vaporisers compared to 2020.
4,916 people were reportedly caught last year, compared with 1,266 in 2020 and 4,697 in 2021.
It is an offence under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act to sell, possess for sale, import, or distribute e-vaporisers and their related components.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
Any person convicted of the offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both for the first offence.
For the second or subsequent offence, offenders face a maximum fine of S$20,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.
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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.
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