E-vaporisers, Duty-unpaid Cigarettes and Illicit Substances Found in Industrial Unit

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) uncovered an e-vaporiser distribution network, leading to the seizure of more than 8,700 e-vaporisers and related components over two days on 6 and 7 January 2025. Illicit items such as duty-unpaid cigarettes and small packets of substances suspected to be controlled drugs were also seized.  

2        On 6 January 2025, at about 12:30am, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Woodlands Checkpoint directed a vehicle driven by a 28-year-old male Singaporean entering Singapore for enhanced checks. They uncovered more than 5,500 e-vaporiser components concealed in various parts of the Singapore-registered car. The man was immediately arrested, and the case was handed over to HSA for further investigations.

3        HSA’s investigation revealed that the suspect was delivering the e-vaporiser components to an industrial unit at Kaki Bukit Road. HSA raided the industrial unit on 7 January 2025 and seized an additional 3,200 e-vaporisers and components including e-vaporiser pods suspected to contain etomidate, purportedly intended for sale via the Telegram messaging platform. Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent that is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act and should only be administered under medical supervision. Adverse effects of etomidate include nausea and vomiting, uncontrollable movement or spasm of muscles, changes to breathing and blood pressure, and seizures and psychosis that can endanger health.

4        Thirteen mobile phones, 21 cartons and three packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, five bottles of liquid containing etomidate and three small packets of substances suspected to be controlled drugs were also discovered at the unit.

5        Two individuals, a 30-year-old Singaporean male and a 24-year-old female foreign national, were also arrested at the industrial unit. Investigations into all three individuals are ongoing. They are being investigated for various offences under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993, Poisons Act, Customs Act 1960, cheating offences under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. HSA, Singapore Customs, the Singapore Police Force, and the Central Narcotics Bureau are jointly conducting the investigations.

Penalties for HSA offences       

6        This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of HSA and partner agencies to combat the illegal import and distribution of e-vaporisers in Singapore. HSA reminds the public that it is an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components. If convicted, offenders are 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 under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. All prohibited items will be seized and confiscated. In addition, a licence is required for the importation and sales of etomidate. HSA takes a serious view on the illegal sales and use of etomidate and will take stern actions against offenders. Those found to be supplying etomidate-containing pods are also liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or fine up to $10,000 under the Poisons Act.

7        Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of any 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).

8        Safeguarding Singapore’s borders remains a top priority for ICA. ICA will continue to conduct security checks to detect and deter smuggling attempts, to keep Singapore safe.   

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 JANUARY 2025

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Published: 24 Jan 2025

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