Largest-ever seizure of e-vaporisers in Singapore in Mandai warehouse
Five suspected runners detained and cooperating in investigations, following successful police/HSA operation
SINGAPORE — Singapore authorities have seized its largest-ever haul of over 85,000 illegal electronic vaporisers and related components from a warehouse in Mandai last week.
Five suspected runners, aged between 20 and 33, were detained last Wednesday (29 March), and are cooperating with ongoing investigations.
The police and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a joint statement on Monday, hailing the successful operation which spanned more than 72 hours, adding that it "disrupted the operations of an illegal e-vaporisers supply chain".
The seizure surpasses the previous record set in 2021 when over $2.2 million worth of vapes and related components were seized. The authorities are assessing the value of this recent raid.
The Mandai warehouse was discovered after the police detained six people suspected of involving in the illegal trade of vapes.
Police detain six men in illegal e-vaporiser crackdown
On 28 March, the police received a call for assistance at a multi-storey car park in Montreal Link and found a van driver allegedly distributing parcels containing vapes to five people. The five people would then deliver the vape products to buyers.
A 27-year-old male driver and a 26-year-old man have been arrested for reckless and negligent conduct in relation to machinery. The driver was also charged with using criminal force to deter a public servant from carrying out his duty.
Four men aged between 22 and 27 are also assisting the authorities with their investigations.
HSA has stressed the import, distribution, sale, and offer for sale of harmful or imitation tobacco products - including shisha tobacco, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco such as Gutkha, Khaini, Zarda, e-vaporisers and their accessories - are illegal in Singapore.
First-time offenders may be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed for up to six months. For subsequent offences, the maximum fine is $20,000, and the maximum jail term is 12 months.
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