21-5-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a major crackdown on the illicit e-vaporizer trade, Singaporean authorities have seized a staggering haul of e-vaporizers and components valued at over $5 million, leading to the arrest of two Thai nationals.
The joint operation, conducted on April 24 by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), uncovered more than 400,000 e-vaporizers and related parts stashed away in a warehouse located in the Woodlands Industrial Park.
During the raid, ICA officers stumbled upon the massive cache, prompting them to alert the HSA, whose mandate includes enforcing regulations surrounding such products. This seizure marks the second-largest e-vaporizer bust orchestrated by the HSA, following a $6 million haul seized just last March.
The two Thai men, aged 22 and 30, were swiftly apprehended and charged on April 26 for offenses related to their unlawful stay in Singapore without valid passes. The authorities confirmed that both individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations into the matter.
In a joint statement issued on May 21, the HSA reiterated the illegality of importing, distributing, selling, or offering e-vaporizers and their components for sale within Singapore’s borders. Those found guilty of such offenses could face severe penalties, including fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face even stiffer penalties, with fines of up to $20,000 and potential jail terms of up to 12 months.
The ICA also took a firm stance against attempts to overstay in Singapore, emphasizing the serious consequences for such violations. Offenders caught overstaying for less than 90 days could be subject to fines of up to $4,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or a combination of both penalties. Additionally, offenders face deportation and potential re-entry bans upon completion of their sentences and/or payment of fines.
