Singapore Authorities Crack Down on E-cigarette Smuggling, Driver Sentenced

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.08.2023
Singapore Authorities Crack Down on E-cigarette Smuggling, Driver Sentenced
Malaysian driver, Maran A/L Seger, was sentenced to 40 days in prison for attempting to smuggle e-cigarettes worth SGD $70,000.

According to a report from Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao on December 8th, a Malaysian driver by the name of Maran A/L Seger attempted to smuggle e-cigarette products worth approximately SGD 70,000 under the pretense of transporting shampoo. He has been sentenced to 40 days in jail.

 

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore issued a joint statement on Thursday, December 7, regarding the recent e-cigarette smuggling incident that was apprehended at the Tuas Checkpoint on October 20th.

 

During an X-ray scan conducted by law enforcement officers, a truck registered in Malaysia displayed abnormal images, leading to its interception. Upon further inspection, hidden within the truck's shampoo product boxes were 750 e-cigarettes and 3150 related accessories.

 

According to a survey conducted by the Department of Health Sciences, a 31-year-old individual named Malan was employed by an employer to transport shampoo and other products to Singapore twice a week between August and October this year. The Department of Health Sciences has advised the public that importing, distributing, or selling e-cigarettes and their associated accessories, hookahs, and smokeless tobacco are all considered illegal activities.

 

Under the tobacco laws, first-time offenders can be fined up to 10,000 yuan, imprisoned for a maximum of six months, or both; repeat offenders can be fined up to 20,000 yuan, imprisoned for a maximum of one year, or both. The Immigration Bureau also stated that it will continue to collaborate with relevant departments to enhance security checks, conduct inspections, and curb smuggling activities.

 

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

Product | Refillable up to 30 mL in total and claimed 60,000 puffs: MASKKING launches open-system UCEE MAX
Product | Refillable up to 30 mL in total and claimed 60,000 puffs: MASKKING launches open-system UCEE MAX
E-cigarette brand MASKKING has recently listed its new UCEE MAX on its official website. According to the website, the device features an open, refillable design with a stated 10 mL e-liquid capacity, supports three refills, and claims a total of 60,000 puffs.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan to set up a VELO special booth at an outdoor culture market, showcasing a product launched on Feb. 2
BAT Japan to set up a VELO special booth at an outdoor culture market, showcasing a product launched on Feb. 2
BAT Japan announced it will support and sponsor the outdoor culture market “DIGGIN DEEP 2026 DAIKANYAMA,” held on March 7 and 8, 2026 at Daikanyama T-SITE, and will set up a special booth for the oral tobacco brand VELO at the venue. The booth will feature product displays and trial experiences, including the new product Velo Smooth Peppermint Medium, which went on sale on Feb. 2.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Myanmar announces ban on e-cigarettes, covering imports/exports, sales, possession and use
Myanmar announces ban on e-cigarettes, covering imports/exports, sales, possession and use
Myanmar’s Ministry of Health said it has received cabinet authorization to enforce an e-cigarette ban under the Essential Supplies and Services Law, listing prohibited acts including the import, export, sale, possession, storage, carrying, distribution and use of vaping products.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Volgograd Police Seize Illicit Nicotine Products Worth Over US$42.9K+
Russia’s Volgograd Police Seize Illicit Nicotine Products Worth Over US$42.9K+
Police in Russia’s Volgograd region say they seized nicotine products lacking mandatory markings valued at more than RUB 3.3 million (about US$42,900+, using RUB 1 = US$0.013). A 43-year-old suspect allegedly stored and sold the products through two retail outlets in Volgograd’s Central and Dzerzhinsky districts. A criminal case has been opened under Article 171.1(6) of the Russian Criminal Code.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Oklahoma prisons to sell vapes and nicotine pouches to inmates in bid to curb contraband and violence
Oklahoma prisons to sell vapes and nicotine pouches to inmates in bid to curb contraband and violence
Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) will launch a program allowing inmates to buy sealed disposable nicotine vapes and packs of nicotine pouches through prison commissaries. Tobacco has been banned in Oklahoma prisons for 10 years, and cigarettes and cigars will remain prohibited.
Feb.28
PMI’s Portuguese unit to launch nicotine pouches in 2026 after tax clarification
PMI’s Portuguese unit to launch nicotine pouches in 2026 after tax clarification
After Portugal included nicotine pouches in the excise-tax (IEC) framework for tobacco and nicotine products, PMI’s Portuguese subsidiary Tabaqueira confirmed it will begin selling nicotine pouches in the country this year. The company is preparing a soft launch in two stores ahead of wider distribution, as the tax and regulatory position becomes clearer.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai