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

Russia’s Rostov Region Eyes Full Vape Sales Ban, Signals Tighter Tobacco Retail Rules
Russia’s Rostov Region Eyes Full Vape Sales Ban, Signals Tighter Tobacco Retail Rules
Russia’s Rostov region is preparing to pursue a region-wide ban on vape sales and is also signaling support for broader regional powers to tighten tobacco retail rules. A regional lawmaker said the initiative aligns with a State Duma bill that would allow regions to impose vape sales bans—an initiative he said has presidential backing.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Refillable up to 30 mL in total and claimed 60,000 puffs: MASKKING launches open-system UCEE MAX
Product | Refillable up to 30 mL in total and claimed 60,000 puffs: MASKKING launches open-system UCEE MAX
E-cigarette brand MASKKING has recently listed its new UCEE MAX on its official website. According to the website, the device features an open, refillable design with a stated 10 mL e-liquid capacity, supports three refills, and claims a total of 60,000 puffs.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco has launched a limited-edition Ploom AURA front panel series in collaboration with musician Ichiro Yamaguchi, featuring five customized designs incorporating brass, Kutani ware, verdigris, kintsugi, and rosewood motifs. Two editions are available through retail channels, while three are distributed via a membership lottery system. The initiative highlights JT’s growing focus on exterior customization and design partnerships as part of its broader heated tobacco brand strategy.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
A UK local authority has secured convictions against a Shrewsbury retailer and its former director for selling illegal disposable vapes, counterfeit tobacco and a nicotine vape to a minor, highlighting continued enforcement against non-compliant nicotine products.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s Tobacco and Vape Retail Licensing Regime Takes Effect; BAT Says It Should Cover Nicotine Pouches
Ireland’s Tobacco and Vape Retail Licensing Regime Takes Effect; BAT Says It Should Cover Nicotine Pouches
Ireland’s retail licensing system took effect on Feb. 2, 2026, charging annual fees per point of sale and enforced by the Health Service Executive (HSE). British American Tobacco’s local unit, BAT Ireland, said excluding nicotine pouches could leave a regulatory gap.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT CEO Says 2026 Return to Growth Hinges on U.S. Enforcement, Highlights Oral Leadership
BAT CEO Says 2026 Return to Growth Hinges on U.S. Enforcement, Highlights Oral Leadership
British American Tobacco said 2026 will mark a return to its mid-term growth algorithm, but CEO Tadeu Marroco stressed that deliverywill depend heavily on enforcement against illicit vapour products in the United States. Speaking at the FY2025 results call, he positioned Modern Oral as the company’s primary structural growth engine, reframed accelerating cigarette declines through “poly-usage,” and reinforced capital discipline with an expanded share buyback plan.
Feb.12