Nearly 4,000 people caught owning or using vapes, a 52% increase from the previous quarter

TARGETING SUPPLIERS

HSA and ICA conducted several joint operations at air, land and sea checkpoints, checking more than 4,000 travelers in the third quarter of the year.

On July 17, a Malaysian driver driving a Malaysian-registered truck was stopped by ICA officers at the Tuas checkpoint.

“The driver attempted to smuggle more than 20,000 electronic vaporizers and components with a street value of more than S$300,000 (US$227,000) into Singapore,” HSA and the Ministry of Health said.

“The driver was detained and handed over to HSA for further investigation.”

While under investigation, he attempted to leave Singapore illegally and was captured by the ICA on 19 July. He was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison on 28 August.

“It is illegal for travelers to bring prohibited tobacco products such as electronic vaporizers into Singapore. Travelers found with electronic vaporizers or their components will be fined,” officials said.

“Transport companies and drivers bringing prohibited tobacco products into Singapore will be subject to enforcement action. Convicted foreigners will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore.”

HSA has also targeted vape suppliers in recent months.

On July 7, police raided a vape distribution network in Paya Lebar involving domestic workers.

“HSA agents intercepted 10 individuals – eight buyers, as well as two sellers, ages 44 and 39, before any transactions took place,” authorities said.

Eight vapes and various components were seized, as well as illegal medicines. The two sellers are currently assisting with the investigation.

HSA also raided an illegal distribution network in Tampines on August 21, seizing more than 2,000 vaporizers and components with a street value of more than S$39,000.

Eight people, aged between 26 and 35, were caught distributing vapes from their vehicles in an open-air car park. All eight are assisting with investigations.

HSA also worked with administrators of local e-commerce and social media platforms to remove more than 1,900 vaporizer and component listings in the third quarter. This is more than three times the number compared to the same period in 2023.