13 People Convicted in Singapore for Selling Illegal Vaping Devices

Today, April 29, according to foreign media reports, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Friday that 13 people have been convicted for selling electronic vaporisers or e-cigarettes and fined a total of $102,000.

Among them was an 18-year-old youth who was sentenced to reformative training.

The 13 individuals, aged between 18 and 44, were prosecuted by the HSA and convicted between September 2022 and March 2023.

In a statement, the HSA said they had purchased electronic vaporisers and related components from overseas and sold them on social media and e-commerce platforms.

18-year-old Ong Guo Wei Arron was found in May 2019 to be selling electronic atomizers on Instagram and WhatsApp.

While investigations were ongoing, he was arrested again about two months later for selling electronic vaporisers and their components on Instagram and Carousell.

On September 16, 2022, he was sentenced to undergo at least six months of reformative training.

Another case involved 30-year-old Tan Jun Kai, who was arrested in July 2019 at Woodlands Checkpoint for carrying prohibited items.

Investigations showed that he had smuggled these items in from Malaysia several times and sold them on Telegram.

Tan was fined $37,000 on September 14, 2022.

It is illegal to sell, possess for sale, import, or distribute electronic vaporisers and related components.

Those convicted may face a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. For repeat offenders, the maximum punishment is doubled.

From 2018 to 2022, the HSA prosecuted 101 people for selling electronic vaporisers and related components.

The authority said it works closely with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to curb illegal imports.

The highest fine issued by the HSA so far was $99,000.

Possessing, purchasing, or using electronic vaporisers and related components is also illegal, and those caught may be fined up to $2,000 for each offence.

“HSA conducts proactive online surveillance and will continue to take firm enforcement action against those who sell electronic vaporisers and related components,” the HSA said.