In just four days, 42 travellers were found in possession of e-vaporisers, or vapes, at Singapore’s checkpoints.
48% of these cases were Singapore residents, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a Facebook post on Sunday (29 March).
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
From 24 March to 27 March, ICA stepped up checks at Singapore’s air, land and sea checkpoints, it said.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The aim was to detect and deter attempts to smuggle vapes into Singapore, the agency noted, adding:
ICA continues to support the Whole-of-Government efforts against e-vaporisers.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
As a result of the checks, 42 travellers were found with the illegal devices, including those who voluntarily disposed of them.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
While 48% of these travellers were residents here — i.e. citizens, permanent residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders — the remaining 52% were short-term visitors.
More than 240 vapes and related components were seized from them.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
ICA reiterated that vaping is illegal in Singapore.
Foreigners visiting Singapore or living here must abide by our laws, and short-term visitors will be banned from entry if they reoffend.
As for those on long-term passes — for example a work permit, student pass or Dependant’s Pass — their passes may be revoked upon a third offence.
They may also be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.
Since 1 Sept, when etomidate was listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, those caught possessing, using, or importing vapes face higher penalties.
Also read: Taiwanese man found with Kpod has work permit revoked, gets repatriated from S’pore
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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.