New rules are no joke: four men detained in Singapore over alleged vape smuggling

In Singapore, four men aged between 16 and 24 have been detained for allegedly smuggling e-cigarettes into Singapore through the Tuas checkpoint.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stated in a joint announcement on December 28 that investigations are currently underway for these Singaporeans.

On December 21, ICA staff conducted a secondary inspection of a Singapore-registered vehicle arriving at the Tuas checkpoint.

During the inspection, staff discovered 25 pieces of e-cigarettes and related components hidden under the driver and passenger seats, in a bag, and among the clothing of one of the men.

The statement noted that the estimated market value of the seized e-cigarettes and components exceeds USD 200. The seized items and the men were later handed over to the HSA.

HSA's investigation revealed that these men purchased the e-cigarettes and related components from a shopping mall in Johor Bahru and attempted to enter Singapore using a car rented from a car-sharing platform.

HSA reminds the public that importing, distributing, selling, or providing e-cigarettes and their components is a criminal offense.

First-time offenders may face fines of up to SGD 10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders may face fines of up to SGD 20,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

All prohibited tobacco products will also be seized and confiscated.