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

Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
As global delegates prepare for COP11, a leaked EU position paper has sparked fresh debate over the future of nicotine pouch regulation. In an exclusive op-ed submitted to 2Firsts, Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, Chair of GINN’s Scientific Committee, argues that banning nicotine pouches would be a profound public health mistake—one that ignores harm reduction science and risks reversing global progress in smoking cessation.
Nov.03
Ukrainian Researchers Estimate E-Cigarette Black Market at 90%, Warn of About $180 Million Budget Hit in 2025
Ukrainian Researchers Estimate E-Cigarette Black Market at 90%, Warn of About $180 Million Budget Hit in 2025
Ukrainian researchers estimate that the illicit e-cigarette market makes up about 93% of total sales. Based on the National Bank of Ukraine’s exchange rate, if the black market remains at its current size, Ukraine’s state and local budgets could lose roughly $180 million in revenue in 2025.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire and IKE Tech Welcome FDA Enforcement Boost, Highlight Need for Tech-Based Controls
Ispire Technology and IKE Tech issued statements after the U.S. FDA received Congressional funding and directives to strengthen enforcement against illicit vaping products. The companies emphasized updated guidance, multi-agency coordination and the role of blockchain and age-verification technologies in preventing illegal imports and protecting youth.
Nov.20
Australia forms National Disruption Group to combat illicit tobacco and converging crime threats
Australia forms National Disruption Group to combat illicit tobacco and converging crime threats
Australia establishes new national task force to combat illegal tobacco market, led by Interior Minister Tony Burke.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling
Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling
SKE has launched the V-BOT disposable e-cigarette. The company’s website highlights that the device is “Made in the USA,” with blending and filling also completed domestically. The V-BOT features dual power modes (Eco/Boost), an 800 mAh rechargeable battery, and is advertised as delivering up to 40,000 puffs.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia Collected US$50.07 million in Vape Tax Since April 2023
Malaysia Collected US$50.07 million in Vape Tax Since April 2023
Malaysia collected RM209.5 million(US$50.07 million) in excise duty on nicotine-containing vape liquids and gels from April 2023 to August 2025, according to Finance Ministry data. However, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said RM223.5 million was spent treating EVALI patients in the past year alone, exceeding the tax revenue.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai