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

Alan Zhao of 2Firsts: Combustibles Still Hold Strategic Value — JTI Offers New Insight into Global Tobacco Transition
Alan Zhao of 2Firsts: Combustibles Still Hold Strategic Value — JTI Offers New Insight into Global Tobacco Transition
As reduced-risk products emerge as the industry’s inevitable future, the question of how to transition has become a defining challenge for tobacco companies. In recent years, JTI has continued to invest in the combustible segment while gradually advancing its next-generation products — a path distinct from that of PMI and BAT, yet one that offers valuable insights for other legacy tobacco companies around the world.
Sep.29
Juul’s San Francisco Headquarters May Be Sold as Debt Talks Advance
Juul’s San Francisco Headquarters May Be Sold as Debt Talks Advance
Real estate firm Affinius Capital is in talks to sell the loan tied to Juul’s San Francisco headquarters, with Madison Capital emerging as a potential buyer. If completed, the deal could lead to a change in ownership six years after Juul first acquired the building, signaling continued asset adjustments amid regulatory pressure.
Oct.23
Thailand's Senate and House of Representatives have different stances on e-cigarettes: the Senate advocates a ban on sales, while the House of Representatives proposes legalization and regulation
Thailand's Senate and House of Representatives have different stances on e-cigarettes: the Senate advocates a ban on sales, while the House of Representatives proposes legalization and regulation
Recently, the Thai Senate and House of Representatives submitted research reports on e-cigarettes, but their positions were completely opposite. The report of the Senate Public Health Committee insisted on maintaining a complete ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the protection of public health, especially youth health, while the report of the House of Representatives Special Committee proposed to legalize e-cigarettes under a strict regulatory framework.
Sep.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | 2× “2+10” configuration, rated 36,000 puffs — VOZOL launches NEON PLUG MAX
Product | 2× “2+10” configuration, rated 36,000 puffs — VOZOL launches NEON PLUG MAX
VOZOL has listed a new product, NEON PLUG MAX, on its official website, featuring dual 2 ml prefilled pods and dual 10 ml refill bottles (24 ml total), a claimed maximum of 36,000 puffs, and two-flavour switching. The device was previously shown at InterTabac 2025 and was listed by the UK MHRA in March 2025; however, as of publication it was not yet available on overseas retail sites.
Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Italian anti-trust agency investigates PMI's marketing of smoke-free products, company denies wrongdoing
Italian anti-trust agency investigates PMI's marketing of smoke-free products, company denies wrongdoing
Italian anti-trust agency investigates Philip Morris International's promotion of smoke-free products, questioning potentially misleading language.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hanwha Securities: KT&G's Global Market Share Expected to Hit New High, Overseas Heated Tobacco Sales Projected to Grow 74%
Hanwha Securities: KT&G's Global Market Share Expected to Hit New High, Overseas Heated Tobacco Sales Projected to Grow 74%
KT&G predicted to reach all-time high global market share in 2025, with Q3 sales expected to surge 10%.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai