60 vapes found hidden in S’pore-registered car at Tuas Checkpoint, S’porean driver arrested

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).

Car directed for enhanced checks at Tuas Checkpoint

On 20 July, the car was directed to undergo enhanced checks at the checkpoint.

This was after it was profiled by ICA Search & Examination officers.

An ICA photo showed officers inspecting the car’s floodboards.

Eventually, the vapes were found hidden in the floorboard compartment.

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.

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

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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.