In just four days, 56 travellers were found in possession of e-vaporisers, or vapes, at Singapore’s checkpoints.
23% of these cases were Singapore residents, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a Facebook post on Friday (24 July).
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
From 20 to 23 July, 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, it noted, adding:
ICA continues to support the Whole-of-Government efforts against vaporisers.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
As a result of the checks, 56 travellers were found in possession of the illegal devices.
While 23% of these travellers were residents here — i.e. citizens, permanent residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders — the remaining 77% were short-term visitors.
In total, more than 444 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 re-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.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
ICA said it remained “committed to securing Singapore’s borders against all forms of smuggling”. This includes vape smuggling attempts, it added.
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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.