Singapore Authorities Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Distribution Network, Seize Over 8700 Devices

Jan.24

Singapore authorities collaborated to dismantle an illegal e-cigarette distribution network, seizing over 8,700 e-cigarettes and accessories.

According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on January 24, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore, in collaboration with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Singapore Police Force, dismantled an illegal e-cigarette distribution network earlier this month, seizing over 8,700 e-cigarettes.

During the period from January 5th to 7th, law enforcement authorities seized a large quantity of e-cigarettes and other regulated items. On January 6th, officials discovered 5500 e-cigarette components during an inspection at the Woodlands Checkpoint and arrested one man.

An investigation has revealed that the man intended to transport e-cigarette components to an industrial facility in Gagie Bahru. The next day, the Health Sciences Authority conducted a surprise raid on the facility and uncovered 3,200 e-cigarettes and related accessories, some of which contained etomidate. These products are suspected to have been sold through Telegram.

Currently, three individuals are under investigation for multiple laws including the Singapore Tobacco Advertising and Sales Control Act, the Poisons Act, the Customs Act, fraud, and the Misuse of Drugs Act.

According to the law, individuals who illegally sell e-cigarettes containing nicotine may face a maximum of two years in prison or a fine of 10,000 new dollars. Those who violate the Tobacco Advertising and Sales Control Act may be fined up to 10,000 new dollars or imprisoned for a maximum of 12 months, or both.

The Health Science Bureau stated that they will take strict enforcement actions against any illegal sales and use.

References:

[1] 当局两天内缴获大量电子烟和疑似毒品物质逮捕两名分销成员

Also Read:

[1] Singapore Sees Surge in E-Cigarette Offenses in 2024

[2] Singaporeans Circumvent Ban on E-cigarette through Malaysia Shopping Trips

[3] Singapore Health Authority Defends Vape Search Without Warrant After Controversy

[4] Singapore Seizes Over 8,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes, Including 'Unplug' Brand

[5] Singapore reports 52% increase in e-cigarette offences with 3,840 arrests

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Singapore

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations

New Zealand’s High Alert drug harm monitoring system has issued a public High Alert warning after multiple hospitalisations linked to illicit vape pods containing the anaesthetic etomidate. Known on the street as space oil, k-pods, or eto, these vapes were first detected in January 2025. Customs has since seized additional samples, and clinics nationwide report rising cases of poisoning and hypoglycaemia.

Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai

ceshi1111

Trusted by industry leaders and innovators, ARAC brings unmatched expertise in Modules 5 & 6, including label and claim development, comprehension testing, human factors/usability, and clinical-behavioral research such as actual use and switching studies. These studies generate the robust, real-world evidence needed to evaluate whether products are “Appropriate for the Protection of Public Health” (APPH) -- including randomized experimental longitudinal, actual use, cohort st

Oct.21

Energy Marketers of America Backs White House Crackdown on Illicit Vape Shops, Urges Cleanup of ‘Gray Area’ Market

The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) has publicly endorsed the White House’s enforcement campaign against illicit vape shops, saying it will help address the regulatory “gray area” that has emerged since 2020 due to delayed product approvals. EMA noted that a large volume of unauthorized imported disposable e-cigarettes worth about $86.5 million has been seized and called for stronger, more localized enforcement efforts to ease the burden on compliant convenience retailers.

Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Australia TGA Warns Delivery Platforms: Don’t Promote or Supply Vapes Illegally

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned online delivery platforms not to breach Australian vape laws and said it worked with two major companies to remove non-compliant material. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, advertising vapes to the public is banned and sales are pharmacy-only; tobacconists and convenience stores cannot supply vapes. TGA will continue enforcement, with severe penalties for breaches.