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11,000 heat sticks & 1 vape found in S'pore rental car at Woodlands Checkpoint, driver, 37, arrested
The driver declared only a single packet of cigarettes.
May 29, 2026, 01:53 AM
ICA
A Singapore-registered rental car was found to have allegedly attempted to smuggle heat sticks, which are heat-not-burn tobacco products, and a vaporiser into Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint on May 9, 2026.
Search and Examination officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Police Force K9 unit officers foiled the smuggling attempt during a joint enforcement operation.
ICA officers directed the vehicle for enhanced checks and uncovered 11,000 heat sticks and a vaporiser concealed beneath the passenger seats and inside the centre console.
ICA
ICA
ICA
Prior to the check, the driver had declared only a single packet of cigarettes.
Heat sticks, vaporisers, and nicotine pouches are banned in Singapore.
The 37-year-old male Singaporean driver was arrested.
The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.
In its Facebook post highlighting the incident, ICA said it remains committed to facilitating trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure.
