The authorities have busted another alleged attempt to smuggle e-vaporisers, or vapes, with the illegal devices found in a Malaysia-registered lorry entering Singapore at the Tuas Checkpoint.
More than 900 vapes and more than 9,000 vape pods were hidden in the lorry, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a Facebook post on Thursday (20 Aug).
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
On 8 Aug, ICA officers directed the lorry to undergo enhanced checks at Tuas Checkpoint.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
They found the vapes and vape pods hidden in the cabin resting area of the vehicle.
Photos showed that the items were in a compartment underneath cushions and a comforter.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The Malaysian lorry driver, a 46-year-old man, was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle vapes into Singapore.
The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
In its post, ICA affirmed its mission as “Guardian of Our Borders” to facilitate trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (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.
Under the TVCA, etomidate and its analogues have been classified as Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS), with penalties for offences involving such substances aligned with those under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973.
That means importers will face three to 20 years’ jail and five to 15 strokes of the cane, while suppliers face two to 10 years’ jail and two to five strokes of the cane.
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.