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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has seized more than 85,000 electronic vaporisers (e-vaporisers) and related components, making it its largest haul so far.
Related to Mar. 28 incident
HSA and the Singapore Police Force said in a joint press release on Apr. 3 that the haul was related to the Mar. 28 incident at the multi-storey car park at Block 592 Montreal Link.
The Singapore Police Force responded to a call for assistance at that location when they found a van driver who was allegedly distributing parcels containing e-vaporisers to five persons purportedly assisting in the delivery to buyers.
Image from Shin Min Daily News.
Shin Min Daily News reported that more than 200 e-vaporisers and related components were found in boxes at the scene.
These six individuals were eventually detained for their suspected involvement in the illegal trade of e-vaporisers.
Seized 85,000 e-vaporisers and related components
HSA officers were activated to assist in investigations following the incident.
On Mar. 29, 2023, they raided a warehouse unit in Mandai, where supplies of e-vaporisers were suspected to be kept for collection by runners.
HSA seized more than 85,000 e-vaporisers and related components at the Mandai warehouse and detained a total of five suspected runners, aged 20 to 33, who are currently assisting in investigations.
This is HSA's largest haul of e-vaporisers products to date, surpassing a seizure in 2021 where more than S$2.2 million worth of e-vaporisers and related components were seized.
Image courtesy of Health Sciences Authority.
Image courtesy of Health Sciences Authority.
Image courtesy of Health Sciences Authority.
Image courtesy of Health Sciences Authority.
E-vaporisers are not allowed
HSA reminded the public that the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of imitation tobacco products, such as shisha tobacco, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco such as Gutkha, Khaini, Zarda, electronic vaporisers and their accessories, is prohibited.
First-time offenders may face a fine up to S$10,000, jail up to six months, or both.
Repeat offenders may face a fine up to S$20,000, jail up to 12 months, or both.
All prohibited tobacco items will be seized and confiscated.
The purchase, use and possession of e-vaporisers is also prohibited.
Members of the public with information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at6684 2036 or 6684 2037 between 9am to 5:30pm from Monday to Friday.
Top image from @nomoneysniper/TikTok and Health Sciences Authority