In a warehouse raid undertaken by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority, over 85,000 electronic vaporisers and associated components were confiscated.
This is the largest seizure of e-vaporiser or vape devices by HSA, exceeding a haul in 2021 in which products worth more than S$2.2 million were seized, HSA and the police announced in a joint news statement on Monday (Apr 3).
The raid was a result of the HSA following up on leads from an investigation into a group of individuals suspected of illegally trading e-vaporizers.
On March 28th, the police apprehended six of these individuals in a multi-story parking garage in Block 590 Montreal Link.
"The driver of a van was reportedly seen delivering parcels containing e-vaporizers to five individuals who were allegedly aiding in the distribution to customers," stated the authorities.
A 27-year-old man was detained for using unlawful force to prevent a public official from doing his duties.
The driver and a 26-year-old male were both detained for reckless or careless use of any apparatus in their possession.
The next day, the HSA conducted surveillance on a warehouse in Mandai where it was thought that e-vaporizers were being stored for collection by runners.
In addition to seizing more than 85,000 vape goods during a second operation, five suspects aged 20 to 33 were apprehended at the warehouse and are presently supporting the HSA with its investigations.
According to the HSA and the police, the operation, which lasted more than 72 hours, interrupted the illegal e-vaporizer supply chain.
It is a violation of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act to import, sell, or distribute vape goods.
First-time offenders may be fined up to S$10,000 or imprisoned for up to six months, or both.
Subsequent offenses are punishable by a fine of up to S$20,000, a prison sentence of up to one year, or both.
Vaping is prohibited in Singapore. Also prohibited are the purchase, usage, and possession of electronic vaporizers.
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