Singapore seizes more than 85,000 vaping products

According to foreign media reports today, Singaporean authorities seized more than 85,000 vaping products in a warehouse raid carried out by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore.

In a joint press release issued today, the HSA and the Singapore Police Force said this was the largest seizure of e-cigarettes and other vaping products ever made by the HSA, exceeding the products confiscated in 2021 that were worth more than S$2.2 million (US$3 million). The latest seizure is estimated to be worth more than US$5 million.

According to Channel NewsAsia today, the raid was the result of follow-up investigations by the HSA based on leads involving a group suspected of selling illegal vaping products.

On March 28, police detained six people at a multi-story car park in Block 592 Montreal Link.

Authorities stated that the driver of a van was allegedly found distributing parcels containing electronic vaporisers to five people who were allegedly helping deliver them to buyers.

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, it is illegal to import, sell, or distribute vaping products.

First-time offenders may be fined up to S$10,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

Subsequent offenses carry double the penalties, with fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The purchase, use, and possession of all vaping products are also prohibited.