HSA Seizes More than $6 Million Worth of E-vaporisers in Telegram Distribution Network Bust

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has disrupted one of the largest electronic vaporiser (e-vaporiser) distribution networks in Singapore. During raids at three locations from 14 to 18 June 2024, HSA seized over 350,000 e-vaporisers and components worth more than $6 million in street value that had been meant for sale via Telegram, a messaging app.

2        On 14 June 2024, HSA received information on a huge quantity of e-vaporisers and components found at a storage unit at Woodlands Loop. HSA's follow-up investigations led to two more raids at a condominium unit at Guillemard Crescent on 14 June and a warehouse unit at Woodlands Industrial Park on 18 June. More e-vaporisers were uncovered at these two locations.

3        HSA also found 14 e-vaporisers suspected to contain a controlled drug tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance that can cause anxiety, disorientation, or paranoia. These e-vaporisers were referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau. Please refer to the Annex in the pdf for photos of the items seized.

4        Two men and two women aged between 34 and 52 years old are currently assisting with HSA’s and CNB’s investigations.

Penalties for such offences in Singapore    

5        More than $18 million worth of e-vaporisers and components in street value have been seized by HSA since January 2024. HSA would like to remind the public that it is an offence under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act  to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence.

6        The purchase, use and possession of e-vaporisers is also prohibited and carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Information pertaining to prohibited tobacco products in Singapore is available on the HSA website and more details about the harms of e-vaporisers can be found in this HealthHub article.

7        Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
4 JULY 2024

Download pdf version here

Published: 4 Jul 2024

Press Releases