ICA seize 37,588 vapes & refills in largest land checkpoint vape bust in 2024

A total of 37,588 pieces of e-vaporisers and refills were seized by Singapore authorities on Aug. 21 after an attempt to smuggle the illegal products into the country via Tuas Checkpoint.

It was the largest vape bust of 2024 at land checkpoints, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a Facebook post on Oct. 16.

Noticed irregularities in scanned images in a lorry

ICA said its radiographic image analysts noticed irregularities in the scanned images in a Malaysia-registered lorry.

When further checks were conducted on the lorry, vaping products were uncovered within the consignment and were extracted.

"The case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation," said ICA.

Previous haul

HSA previously seized over 350,000 e-vaporisers and components worth more than S$6 million from Jun. 14 to 18 this year.

The goods were seized during raids across three locations in Woodlands and Guillemard, and were meant for sale via the Telegram messaging app.

The operation disrupted "one of the largest" e-vaporiser distribution networks in Singapore, it was reported.

Vape-related offences

Currently, the possession, use, or purchase of e-vaporisers carries a maximum fine of S$2,000 in Singapore.

Importing, distributing, selling, or offering e-vaporisers are also offences.

Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for subsequent offences.

All prohibited tobacco items will also be seized and confiscated.

Top image via ICA Facebook