M’sian man jailed 1.5 years for importing vape pods, was recruited over Facebook
A 31-year-old Malaysian man has been jailed for 1.5 years for importing non-etomidate e-vaporiser pods into Singapore, the highest sentence imposed so far for the offence.
He was caught when more than 4,300 of the devices were found in his vehicle at Woodlands Checkpoint, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a press release on Thursday (5 Nov).
Source: Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
Man offered job over Facebook
According to HSA’s investigations, Syed Mohd Ridzuan bin Syed Yahya had applied for jobs through a Facebook page in early June.
An unidentified man with a Malaysian phone number, whom he knew only as “Boss”, offered him a job.
Ridzuan travelled from Malacca to Johor Bahru to meet this man.
Man told to transport vape pods to S’pore
In preparation for the “job”, “Boss” registered a vehicle in Ridzuan’s name and provided a rented house in Johor Bahru for him to stay.
Ridzuan was told to transport vape pods to Singapore and given a Malaysian SIM card, to be used only for communications related to the deliveries.
The night before he was to make the trip, a van was loaded with vape pods.
Source: Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
S$22K worth of vape pods found in vehicle
On 10 July, the vehicle driven by Ridzuan arrived at Woodlands Checkpoint.
But Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers directed it for enhanced checks and found boxes of vape pods hidden in the interior side panels of the vehicle.
The case was referred for further investigation to HSA, which seized the vehicle.
More than 4,300 pods were subsequently found.
Source: Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
The items are estimated to be worth about S$22,000.
Man jailed for importing vape pods, vape possession charge taken into consideration
On Thursday (5 Nov), Ridzuan was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the importation of vape pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).
“This is the highest sentence imposed to date for the importation of non-etomidate vaporiser pods under the TVCA,” HSA noted.
Taken into consideration for sentencing was another charge involving the possession of one vape.
Up to 9 years’ jail & S$300K for importing vapes
HSA said it takes “a serious view” of offences involving the importing and supplying of vapes and components.
According to the TVCA — which was renamed on 1 May from the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 — those caught importing vapes will face up to nine years in prison and a fine of up to S$300,000.
Suppliers may be jailed for up to six years and fined up to S$200,000.
Additionally, vehicles used to commit such offences will be seized under the TVCA’s enhanced enforcement measures.
They are also liable to be forfeited, upon which the offenders will lose all claims to their vehicles.
Also read: 900 vapes & 9,000 pods found in M’sia-registered lorry at Tuas Checkpoint, driver arrested
900 vapes & 9,000 pods found in M’sia-registered lorry at Tuas Checkpoint, driver arrested
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Featured image adapted from Health Sciences Authority, Singapore.
