Over S$5 million worth of vape products seized in Woodlands warehouse raid
Authorities seized over S$5 million worth of vape products in a major raid at Woodlands Industrial Park, arresting two Thai nationals. This follows a record S$6 million seizure in March, highlighting increased enforcement against illegal e-vaporisers in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: A warehouse raid at Woodlands Industrial Park on 24 April led to the seizure of more than S$5 million (US$3.7 million) worth of vape products.
This operation marks the second-largest e-vaporiser seizure in Singapore, following a record-breaking haul in March valued at over S$6 million (US$4.4 million).
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted the enforcement operation, discovering a large quantity of e-vaporiser products.
They subsequently alerted the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
In a joint media release on Tuesday (21 May), ICA and HSA reported that over 400,000 e-vaporisers and components were confiscated from the warehouse.
During the raid, two male Thai nationals, aged 22 and 30, were arrested.
The men were charged in court on 26 April for staying in Singapore unlawfully without valid passes and are assisting in investigations related to the vape seizure.
This raid follows a significant incident on 19 March, where authorities seized over S$6 million worth of vape products from two warehouse units.
This earlier operation began when a police roadblock uncovered two men transporting packages of e-vaporisers in their car.
The crackdown on e-vaporisers has intensified, with more than 2,200 people caught for possession and use of e-vaporisers in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
In 2023, over 7,800 individuals were apprehended for similar offenses, representing a 60% increase from 2022’s tally of 4,916 cases.
HSA and ICA reiterated that the purchase, use, and possession of e-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore.
Those convicted of importing, distributing, or selling these products face severe penalties.
First-time offenders may be fined up to S$10,000 (US$7,420), jailed for up to six months, or both.
Repeat offenders could face fines up to S$20,000 (US$18,840), jail terms up to 12 months, or both.
The ICA also emphasized its stringent stance on immigration violations.
Individuals overstaying by not more than 90 days can be fined up to S$4,000 (US$2,970), jailed for up to six months, or both.
Offenders are also subject to deportation and will be barred from re-entering Singapore after their sentencing or fine payment.
