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

Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama’s Senate approved SB9 by a 31–1 vote, expanding existing indoor smoking restrictions to include vaping in a wide range of public places. The bill keeps the current $25 fine, renames the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, and now heads to the House. If enacted, it would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Flash|PMI Reports 2025 Results as Smoke-Free Products Account for 41.5% of Net Revenues
2Firsts Flash|PMI Reports 2025 Results as Smoke-Free Products Account for 41.5% of Net Revenues
Philip Morris International reported full-year 2025 results on February 6, with smoke-free products accounting for 41.5% of adjusted net revenues, up from 38.7% a year earlier. Total net revenues rose 7.3% to $40.65 billion, while shipment volumes increased 1.4%, widening the gap between revenue and volume growth. Cigarette shipments declined as smoke-free volumes rose 12.8%, driven by heated tobacco, oral nicotine and e-vapor products. Results were released alongside a 9:00 a.m. EST webcast.
Feb.06
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore will maintain etomidate’s classification under drug control laws while preparing new legislation targeting e-vaporisers, as authorities reinforce a hardline regulatory stance on vaping.
Feb.05
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is inviting stakeholder feedback on a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) that would impose a blanket ban on open vape pods and e-liquids—covering use, manufacturing, importation, and distribution.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore HSA bust links two vape warehouses; Malaysian man jailed 41 weeks
Singapore HSA bust links two vape warehouses; Malaysian man jailed 41 weeks
HSA officers in Singapore staked out a Bishan warehouse after a tip-off and found a Malaysian man in a site containing thousands of vaporisers and components. Checks on his phone led to a second warehouse in Ubi with large quantities of devices and parts.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Florida HB 389 seeks statewide ban on smoking and vaping in public places and indoor workplaces
Florida HB 389 seeks statewide ban on smoking and vaping in public places and indoor workplaces
Florida lawmakers have introduced HB 389, a proposal to expand smoke-free protections by banning smoking and vaping in public places and enclosed indoor workplaces across the state. The bill broadens statutory definitions and outlines limited exceptions and compliance rules, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 if enacted.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai