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

Leaked EU Paper Suggests COP11 Push to Ban Nicotine Pouches and Flavoured Nicotine Products
Leaked EU Paper Suggests COP11 Push to Ban Nicotine Pouches and Flavoured Nicotine Products
According to media reports, a leaked European Commission document indicates the EU plans to push for its strictest regulatory framework on nicotine and tobacco products at COP11 in Switzerland this November, including measures such as a full ban on nicotine pouches and flavoured products.
Oct.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan
Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale and circulation of e-cigarettes and related vape liquids, following the approval of a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation introduces criminal liability for violations, with penalties including fines of 300 to 500 basic calculation units (approximately US$10,300–17,200), corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
AIR’s Shisha Brand Al Fakher Launches New Pod-Based Vape in Germany, Touting Non-Ceramic Atomization Technology
AIR’s Shisha Brand Al Fakher Launches New Pod-Based Vape in Germany, Touting Non-Ceramic Atomization Technology
AIR’s shisha brand Al Fakher has launched its rechargeable pod-based vape Crown Switch in Germany, featuring Coldstream technology and claiming low-temperature vaporization without ceramic or metal heating elements. The device is now available on shisha-world, while AIR is simultaneously pushing ahead with its plan to go public on Nasdaq via a SPAC merger.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) jointly announced the launch of the 2026 National Standardization Project for E-cigarettes. The initiative, coordinated by the National Technical Committee on Standardization of E-cigarettes, aims to enhance the industry’s regulatory framework through new standards on manufacturing, storage, distribution, and evaluation.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Subsidiary Warns of Surge in Illegal Nicotine Pouches in Canada, Calls for Unified Regulatory Framework
BAT Subsidiary Warns of Surge in Illegal Nicotine Pouches in Canada, Calls for Unified Regulatory Framework
Imperial Tobacco Canada, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has urged the federal government to respond to the spread of illegal nicotine pouches by allowing approved products to be sold through a wider range of adult retail channels. The company is also calling for stronger retail inspections, enhanced digital tracking, and closer coordination among provinces to build a consistent regulatory framework and restore the accessibility of the legal market.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Harm Reduction Experts Warn: FCTC COP11 Policies Risk Marginalizing the Global South
Harm Reduction Experts Warn: FCTC COP11 Policies Risk Marginalizing the Global South
Two global tobacco harm reduction experts, in their submission to 2Firsts, argue that several COP11 policy proposals driven by high-income countries do not align with the capacities and conditions of low- and middle-income countries. They highlight research and funding gaps and call for a more equitable global support mechanism.
Nov.19