HSA Seizes $369,150 Worth of Electronic Vaporisers and Components in Raid; Man Under Police Investigation for Possession of Scheduled Weapons

On 18 March 2021, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) conducted an operation that disrupted the peddling of electronic vaporisers (e-vaporisers) which are prohibited in Singapore. A total of $369,150 worth of e-vaporisers and related accessories were seized from the operation. Three subjects are currently assisting HSA in the investigation. One of them, a 24-year-old man, is also being investigated by the Police for his suspected involvement in a case of possession of scheduled weapons.

Largest haul of e-vaporisers

2        Following a tip-off that there were several consignments containing e-vaporiser items waiting to be collected by consignees at a storage facility in Tuas, HSA officers apprehended two male subjects suspected to have turned up to collect the prohibited items.

3        On the same day, HSA officers raided the residence of a third male subject, who was allegedly involved in the peddling of the prohibited items, at Serangoon North Ave 1. In total, 1,157 assorted e-vaporisers and 25,345 assorted pods (e-vaporiser components) were seized from the storage facility and the third subject’s residence. This is the largest seizure made by HSA thus far, with an estimated street value of about $369,150.

4        Police responded to the case when HSA officers found two knuckledusters and one push dagger in the residence. The items were seized for investigation. Police investigations are ongoing. Please refer to the Annex for photos of the items seized.

Penalties for such offences in Singapore 

5        HSA would like to remind the public that the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act prohibits the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of harmful or imitation tobacco products.  These include shisha tobacco, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco such as Gutkha, Khaini, Zarda, electronic vaporisers and their accessories. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence. All prohibited tobacco products will be seized and confiscated.

6        The Police also wish to remind the public that it is an offence for anyone to be in possession of a scheduled weapon, punishable under Section 7(1)(a) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. Those convicted of the offence for the first-time face an imprisonment term not exceeding 5 years and at least 6 strokes of the cane.

Consumer advisory

7           The public is strongly advised not to purchase or bring prohibited tobacco products into Singapore. Information pertaining to prohibited tobacco products, such as e-vaporisers, is available on the HSA website and more details about the harms of e-vaporisers can be found in the HealthHub article at https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/2069/lets-get-real-about-vaping.

8             Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of prohibited tobacco products can submit a report conveniently using the online form at www.go.gov.sg/reporttobaccooffences.  Alternatively, they can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 MARCH 2021

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