18-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singaporean authorities have apprehended a man believed to be a central figure in a large-scale electronic cigarette smuggling operation. The 33-year-old suspect was taken into custody during a coordinated islandwide operation conducted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on 10 October.
The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into a substantial seizure of e-vaporisers valued at approximately S$6.5 million. Authorities allege that the suspect played a pivotal role in orchestrating the importation and distribution of these prohibited devices from Malaysia into Singapore, supplying them to local residents.
On 11 October, the accused appeared in court to face multiple charges. These include obstruction of justice, abetment of housebreaking, and abetment of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property under the Penal Code. Additionally, he was charged with the import and distribution of e-vaporisers, which is prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
The case has been adjourned until today, with the suspect remanded in custody to assist the SPF and HSA with their ongoing investigations.
Singapore maintains stringent regulations on tobacco products, including a blanket ban on e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Under current legislation, individuals found guilty of importing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale e-vaporisers and their components face severe penalties. First-time offenders can be fined up to S$10,000 and imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders face even stiffer sanctions, with fines of up to S$20,000 and imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
The authorities have emphasised that all prohibited tobacco items discovered will be seized and confiscated without exception.
The accused also faces substantial prison terms for the other charges. Obstruction of justice carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. The charge of abetment of housebreaking could result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine, while abetment of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property is punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
