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SINGAPORE: A 25-year-old man suspected of smuggling over 9,200 vape pods in a cargo container has been arrested, the authorities said on Tuesday (Sep 30).
The pods were uncovered at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station on Sep 17, the Singapore Police Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a joint news release.
ICA officers found the e-vaporiser pods concealed in an inbound cargo container that was targeted for enhanced checks. The consignment was declared as "power bank".
The case was referred to HSA for further investigations.
The next day, a joint operation by HSA and the police's Criminal Investigation Department established the identity of the 25-year-old Singaporean man involved with the consignment.
He was subsequently arrested for his suspected involvement in the importation of the e-vaporiser pods, said the authorities.
In addition to the foiled attempt to smuggle vape pods into Singapore, the man was found to be in possession of another 85 vapes and related components.
The total estimated street value of the seized items is over S$51,000 (US$39,500), said the authorities, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Vapes and related components found to be in the possession of the 25-year-old man. (Photo: Singapore Police Force)
The man was identified in a joint operation by the Health Sciences Authority and the police's Criminal Investigation Department. (Photos: Singapore Police Force)
Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, it is an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components.
Those found guilty face a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months' jail, or both for the first offence. For second or subsequent offences, they face a fine of up to S$20,000, up to 12 months' jail, or both.
Under the enhanced enforcement framework that came into force on Sep 1, individuals found possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporisers now face higher penalties.
Recalcitrant users will also be required to undergo rehabilitation and those who do not complete the rehabilitation programme will be prosecuted, said the authorities.
Those caught using e-vaporisers for the third time and more will be prosecuted in court and be liable for a fine of up to S$2,000.
