Officers arrested a 25-year-old Singaporean man after finding more than 9,200 e-vaporiser pods inside a cargo container at Pasir Panjang.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a press release on Tuesday (30 Sept) that the pods were hidden in a consignment declared as “power bank”.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
Authorities targeted the cargo container for checks after it arrived at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station on 17 Sept.
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers subsequently found the concealed vape pods.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
ICA referred the case to HSA for further investigation.
The next day (18 Sept), HSA and the police’s Criminal Investigation Department conducted a joint operation.
They quickly identified the man and arrested him for suspected involvement in importing vape pods under Section 16(2) of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sale) Act 1993.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
Under the Act, importing, distributing, selling or offering to sell vapes and their components is an offence.
If convicted, offenders face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to S$10,000.
Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to 12 months and/or fined up to S$20,000.
On top of allegedly trying to smuggle vape pods into Singapore, the man had an additional 85 vapes and components in his possession.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
The seized vaping-related products have a total estimated street value of more than S$51,000.
Investigations are ongoing, HSA said.
HSA reminded the public that stiffer penalties for vape-related offences came into force on 1 Sept.
The enhanced enforcement framework applies to those found in possession of, using, or buying vapes.
Recalcitrant users must undergo rehabilitation, with those who do not complete rehab to be prosecuted.
Vape users caught for a third time and more will be prosecuted in court and face a fine of up to S$2,000.
Also read: LTA officers & public transport operators now authorised to issue fines & seize vapes on the spot
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Featured image adapted from Health Sciences Authority.