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ICA nabs driver smuggling e-vaporisers and electronic liquid cartridges

The seized e-vaporisers and electronic liquid cartridges by ICA from a driver at the Woodlands Checkpoint on 5 July 2019. (PHOTO: Immigration and Checkpoints Authority)
The seized e-vaporisers and electronic liquid cartridges by ICA from a driver at the Woodlands Checkpoint on 5 July 2019. (PHOTO: Immigration and Checkpoints Authority)

SINGAPORE — The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), together with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Health Science Authority (HSA), seized a total of 32 sets of electronic vaporisers and 635 electronic liquid cartridges from a 27-year-old Singaporean.

A joint media statement by the ICA and HSA on Thursday (11 July) said that ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint detected six sets of e-vaporisers and 223 electronic liquid cartridges hidden in an arriving Singapore-registered car’s gear shift compartment on 5 July.

The driver, who was suspected to be under the influence of drugs, was referred to the CNB and HSA for investigations.

The authorities subsequently discovered that he had hidden another 26 sets of e-vaporisers and 412 electronic liquid cartridges in a SingPost POPStation.

15 peddlers caught selling e-vaporisers

HSA has conducted ground operations to clamp down of the smuggling and peddling of e-vaporisers. Through operations from April to June this year, 15 such peddlers were caught, and are currently under investigations.

Offenders can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to six months. The use, purchase or possession of electronic vaporisers is also an offence, punishable with a fine up to $2,000.

Members of the public who have information on the illegal importation, distribution or sales of e-vaporisers can contact the Tobacco Regulation Branch at 66842036 or 66842037 during office hours (9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).

Public advised not to buy any e-vaporisers

HSA has also advised the public not to purchase any e-vaporisers, including through the Internet, to be brought into Singapore. They should also refrain from using e-vaporisers and discard any e-vaporisers they have in possession.

Individuals seeking to quit smoking should seek professional medical advice. Advice and support on smoking cessation is also available through the toll-free Quitline at 1800-4382000 or the iQuit club.

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