According to a report from Lianhe Zaobao on May 21, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore conducted a surprise raid at a warehouse in Woodlands Industrial Park, seizing over $5 million (approximately $3.71 million USD) worth of 400,000 e-cigarette products and accessories, and arresting two Thai nationals who had overstayed their visas.
The Singapore Health Sciences Authority and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority issued a joint announcement on Tuesday, May 21. Immigration officials arrested two Thai men, aged 22 and 30, in a warehouse in Woodlands Industrial Estate during a law enforcement operation on April 24. They were charged in court on the 26th for not having valid documents. During the operation, immigration officers discovered a large quantity of e-cigarettes and accessories in the warehouse and immediately informed the Health Sciences Authority. HSA officials subsequently arrived at the scene and found over 400,000 e-cigarettes and accessories, with a black market value exceeding $5 million Singapore dollars ($3.71 million USD).
This is the second largest seizure of e-cigarettes by authorities, following the confiscation of over 6 million Singapore dollars (4.45 million US dollars) worth of contraband in March.
Authorities stated that according to immigration regulations, individuals found to be illegally staying for a period not exceeding 90 days may face a maximum penalty of a fine of 4000 Singapore dollars (2970 US dollars), six months imprisonment, or a combination of both. If the illegal stay exceeds 90 days, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for no more than six months and caning of at least three strokes.
According to tobacco regulations, importing, distributing, or selling e-cigarettes is considered illegal. First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000 (7,426 USD) or face a maximum of six months in jail, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $20,000 (14,852 USD), face up to one year in jail, or both. Those found in possession of, using, or purchasing e-cigarettes can face fines of up to $2,000 (1,485 USD).
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