Suspected syndicate figure, 33, arrested & charged over S$6.5 million worth of seized e-vapes

A 33-year-old man, who is believed to be a key figure behind an e-vaporiser syndicate, was charged in court on Oct. 11, 2024, was for the import and distribution of e-vaporisers under the Tobacco Act 1993.

He was also charged with obstructing the course of justice, abetment of housebreaking, and abetment of cheating and dishonestly inducing a delivery of property, according to a joint press release by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the police on Oct. 18, 2024.

Arrested in relation to more than S$6.5 million worth of being seized

The man was arrested on Oct. 10, 2024, in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding the seizure of e-vaporisers worth over S$6.5 million by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

His arrest took place during a joint operation carried out by the police and HSA that targeted the activities of a suspected syndicate across Singapore.

Preliminary investigations indicate that he allegedly orchestrated the importation and distribution of e-vaporisers from Malaysia into Singapore and has been supplying to local residents.

The case has been adjourned to Oct. 18, 2024. He will remain in remand during this period to assist the police and HSA with their investigations.

Under the Tobacco Act 1993, it is an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components.

If convicted, offenders could be fined up to S$10,000, jailed up to six months or be subjected to both for the first offence, and a fine of up to S$20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence.

All prohibited tobacco items will also be seized and confiscated.

As for the offence of obstructing, preventing, perverting, or defeating the course of justice, this carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both.

The offence of abetment of housebreaking carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.

Meanwhile, the offence of abetment of cheating and dishonestly inducing a delivery of property carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, or with fine, or both.

Members of the public who have information on the illegal possession, use, purchase, import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours, from 9am to 5:30pm, on Monday to Friday.

Top photo courtesy of HSA and police