HSA seizes record $370,000 of e-vaporisers, vape pods
SINGAPORE — In the largest seizure of its kind, authorities in Singapore last Thursday (18 March) seized a record haul of e-vaporisers and vape pods worth close to $370,000.
A total of 1,157 e-vaporisers and 25,345 pods, with an estimated street value of about $369,150, were seized during an operation, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the police in a joint press release on Tuesday.
Three men are currently assisting in investigations, the authorities added. 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, consisting of two knuckledusters and one push dagger.
They said that HSA officers had apprehended two men suspected to have turned up to collect the prohibited items at a storage facility in Tuas last Thursday, following a tip-off.
The officers also raided the residence of a third man, who was allegedly involved in the peddling of the prohibited items at Serangoon North Ave 1, on the same day.
The police responded to the case when the weapons were found in the residence, said the authorities. The items were seized and police investigations are ongoing.
Tobacco Act reminder
"The 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," they added,
If convicted, a first-time offender may face a fine of up to $10,000, or a maximum jail term of six months, or both. A repeat offender may face a fine of up to $20,000, or a maximum jail term of 12 months, or both.
All prohibited tobacco products will be seized and confiscated.
Authorities added that members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of prohibited tobacco products can submit an online report or contact its Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours.
If convicted of possessing a scheduled weapon under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act, a first-time offender can face a maximum jail term of five years and at least six strokes of the cane.
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