Singapore Health Authority Cracks down on Illegal E-cigarette Smuggling

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Apr.10.2024
Singapore Health Authority Cracks down on Illegal E-cigarette Smuggling
Singapore Health Sciences Authority seized over 81,000 e-cigarettes and accessories worth over $1.1 million in Woodlands industrial area.

According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on April 9, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority discovered over 81,000 various types of e-cigarettes and accessories in the Woodlands Industrial Estate. The black market value is estimated to be over 1.1 million Singapore dollars (818,114 US dollars). Five individuals (aged 19 to 39) are currently assisting with the investigation by the Health Sciences Authority.

 

In recent years, the problem of e-cigarette abuse in Singapore has become increasingly serious. Despite the government's ban on such products, the number of people arrested last year for possession or use of e-cigarettes increased by 60% compared to the previous year. The Health Sciences Authority has conducted several large-scale raids throughout the country in the first quarter of this year, successfully seizing e-cigarettes and accessories worth over $7 million Singapore dollars ($5.2 million USD).

 

On January 17th, the police arrested two black market e-cigarette vendors. Subsequently, following leads, the police discovered that all their goods actually originated from a warehouse located in Ulu Tiram.

 

According to The Straits Times, on January 20, the media personally visited a warehouse that had been sealed by the police for storing e-cigarettes. The warehouse is located in a high-rise building in the industrial area of Woodlands Close. It wasn't until April 9 (Tuesday) that the Health Sciences Authority further disclosed more information about this warehouse.

 

It is worth mentioning that in addition to finding a large number of unopened e-cigarette products in the warehouse, a large quantity of e-cigarette accessories were also stored there.

 

Additionally, in the six-month period from October of last year to March of this year, 34 individuals have been convicted for illegal sale of e-cigarettes. Among them, a 22-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months in prison and fined 16,000 yuan for selling e-cigarettes and their accessories, the longest sentence handed down in such cases.

 

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

BAT rolls out VELO nicotine pouches in Argentina as social media buzzes about ZYN distribution
BAT rolls out VELO nicotine pouches in Argentina as social media buzzes about ZYN distribution
BAT Argentina says it has launched VELO nicotine pouches in Argentina, positioning the product as an adult alternative that contains no tobacco and involves no combustion. At the same time, social media discussion and media reporting indicate that Philip Morris International’s ZYN nicotine pouches are also being distributed through Argentine channels.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
West Virginia Senate Backs Vape Tax Increase to Offset Income Tax Cut
West Virginia Senate Backs Vape Tax Increase to Offset Income Tax Cut
The West Virginia Senate approved a 10% personal income tax cut on February 22, 2026, with part of the revenue offset coming from increased excise taxes on vape and e-cigarette products.
News
Feb.23
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC issues final ruling on oil vaporizing devices, components violating tariff law, with limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT CEO: to ramp up ‘next-generation’ tobacco capacity in Italy, plans €500 mln investment in Trieste plant by 2027
BAT CEO: to ramp up ‘next-generation’ tobacco capacity in Italy, plans €500 mln investment in Trieste plant by 2027
British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Tadeu Marroco said the group will continue to invest in equipment and technology in Italy and expand capacity for next-generation tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. BAT’s Trieste innovation hub is slated to receive a total investment of 500 million euros by 2027 and add 16 new production lines.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao analyzes post-Operation Absolute Resolve geopolitics and the rise of “U.S.-referenced regulatory alignment” in South America’s novel tobacco market as U.S. influence grows. Using regulatory reliance, digitalized enforcement, and industrial shifts, he assesses how rule redesign may alter market access, competition, and supply chains, asking how firms can find durable certainty as order is rewritten.
Jan.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | Clear Tank, Airflow Control and Three-Dimension Flavor Labels: RELX Launches Disposable DIVA in South Korea
Product | Clear Tank, Airflow Control and Three-Dimension Flavor Labels: RELX Launches Disposable DIVA in South Korea
RELX has recently launched its disposable e-cigarette, the RELX DIVA, on online channels in South Korea, offering two nicotine strengths of 0.98% and 1.98%. Publicly available information shows the device features a 20 mL e-liquid capacity and is rated for around 30,000 puffs, alongside a 750 mAh rechargeable battery and two power modes—BOOST and ECO—at approximately 16W and 13W, respectively.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai