51-year-old man arrested after vapes found in his car at Tuas Checkpoint
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has busted another alleged attempt to smuggle e-vaporisers, or vapes, with the illegal devices found in a Singapore-registered car entering Singapore at the Tuas Checkpoint.
A total of 60 vapes were hidden in the car, ICA said in a Facebook post on Thursday (6 Aug).
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
Car directed for enhanced checks at Tuas Checkpoint
On 20 July, the car was directed to undergo enhanced checks at the checkpoint.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
This was after it was profiled by ICA Search & Examination officers.
An ICA photo showed officers inspecting the car’s floodboards.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
Eventually, the vapes were found hidden in the floorboard compartment.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
S’porean car driver arrested for alleged attempt to smuggle vapes
The car driver, a 51-year-old Singaporean man, was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle vapes into Singapore.
He was issued a composition fine and his case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.
ICA noted that under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA) — which came into force on 1 May — those found in possession of or using vapes can be fined up to S$10,000.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
Vape importers face jail & fine
In its post, ICA affirmed its mission as “Guardians of Our Borders” to facilitate trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure.
According to the TVCA — which was renamed 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.
Also read: 1 vape & 4,300 pods found in M’sia-registered van at Woodlands Checkpoint, driver arrested
1 vape & 4,300 pods found in M’sia-registered van at Woodlands Checkpoint, driver arrested
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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.
