Lorry caught carrying over 18,400 vapes at Tuas Checkpoint, M'sia man arrested

An attempt to smuggle more than 18,400 e-vaporisers and 1,400 related components was foiled by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at about 7am on Sep. 15.

This is the largest seizure of illegal e-vaporisers to date since the new framework regarding etomidate-laced vapes took effect on Sep. 1, according to ICA.

Under the new laws, those caught using, possessing or buying vapes will be charged with higher penalties.

Repeat offenders will be required to undergo rehabilitation.

The illegal haul

The Malaysia-registered lorry carrying the items was flagged by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) during the pre-arrival risk assessment and selected for further checks.

It was during the course of this enhanced inspection that the haul of e-vaporisers and related components was discovered in the vehicle.

The items were initially declared as “components for motorised external roll-up blinds”.

ICA also reported that a Malaysian man has been arrested in connection with the case.

The items and the suspect have been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.

Enhanced security checks

ICA announced last month that, as part of their ongoing efforts to deter the smuggling of e-vaporisers, they will be ramping up security at their checkpoints.

This includes placing more eye-catching red vape bins for disposal and increasing personnel for security checks.

A statement on the ICA website adds that “those assessed to be of higher risk are flagged for checks upon arrival at our checkpoints, before they enter Singapore”.

Top image from ICA/Facebook