A 39-year-old South Korean woman, who holds a Singapore employment pass, was caught with vape products while entering Singapore via Changi Airport on Sunday, 23 November. She told Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers that she had nothing to declare during baggage screening at Terminal 3.
However, officers discovered two e-vaporisers and more than 50 vape pods among her belongings. In addition, ICA found over 1,200 heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco sticks. These battery-operated devices heat tobacco to produce an aerosol containing nicotine and other chemicals. According to the Ministry of Health, the importation, distribution, sale, purchase, use, and possession of such products are prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sale) Act. The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for investigation.
Recent Smuggling Attempts at Woodlands Checkpoint
This incident follows two attempts to smuggle vapes into Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint on 15 November. At 8.40 am, ICA officers inspected a Malaysia-registered van based on information from the Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC). Vapes were hidden in boxes, among electrical appliances, wires, and even in the door panels of the van. In total, over 1,600 vapes were found, and a 19-year-old male Malaysian traveller was arrested.
Later the same day, at 7.50 pm, officers checked a Malaysia-registered car and found 1,000 vapes hidden under groceries. A 21-year-old Malaysian male was arrested. Both cases, including the suspects and exhibits, were referred to HSA.
ICA’s Commitment to Singapore’s Border Security
ICA stated that border security is a crucial part of Singapore’s anti-vape enforcement strategy. “As guardians of the nation’s borders, ICA remains committed to safeguarding Singapore by ensuring our borders remain safe and secure,” the agency said.
Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sale) Act, anyone caught importing, distributing, selling, or offering to sell vapes and their components faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to S$10,000. Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to 12 months and fined up to S$20,000.
