Singapore HSA seizes e-vaporiser items worth S$200,000

Singapore – After having conducted several investigations with the aim to seek and get an e-vaporiser distribution network that operated on Telegram arrested, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) finally announced the seizure of over S$200,000 (RM622,009) worth of electronic vaporisers and related components.

HSA seized the distributor of the network as well as the residence of the peddlers during a 24-hour investigation on January 6, this search included a hotel in Geylang and residential addresses both in Yishun and Serangoon.

The probe is being accompanied by two men and a lady. After some investigations, it has also been decided that one of the men has to be referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau because of offenses relating to drugs.

The sales of these items are prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. This Act forbids the import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of counterfeit tobacco products, restricts the sale of e-vaporisers in Singapore.

At the same time, e-vaporisers are also illegal from being purchased, being used, or being owned.

As for the first offense, any individual who is guilty of an offense could be be fined up to S$10,000 or be imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Meanwhile, the punishment for a second or subsequent offense is a fine of up to S$20,000 or a 12-month prison sentence, or both. All tobacco products that are forbidden is going to be seized and confiscated.

As stated by HSA, it has been closely monitoring e-vaporiser distribution networks on anonymous messaging platforms like Wechat and Telegram, which are used by e-vaporiser smugglers and peddlers to avoid from getting found out.

Members of the public with information on the illicit distribution of such items should contact the Health Sciences Authority’s Tobacco Regulation Branch or file an online report at www.go.gov.sg/reporttobaccooffenses.