Strict Scrutiny on E-cigs at Singapore Changi Airport, 177 Carriers Detected in 4 Days

According to a report by Beritaharian on January 4th, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued a joint statement stating that 177 individuals were recently found to be carrying e-cigarettes or e-cigarette vaporizers at Changi Airport in Singapore within a span of four days.

A four-day operation took place on December 20, 23, 27, and 30 in order to strengthen community law enforcement and curb the possession and use of e-cigarettes. The operation also aimed to prevent the smuggling of e-cigarettes through airports during the busy travel season. During the operation, 61 individuals were fined for possessing e-cigarettes, while an additional 116 passengers claimed to possess e-cigarettes but disposed of them to avoid penalties.

Based on this initiative, staff from the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) are now reminding passengers arriving at Changi Airport's four terminals about the prohibition of e-cigarettes in Singapore. Additionally, banners and digital displays have been strategically placed in high-traffic areas of the airport to explicitly indicate this ban. Furthermore, once passengers have collected their luggage, they are advised to proceed through the red channel and inform ICA staff if they have inadvertently brought along e-cigarettes.

On December 21, 2023, during another enforcement operation conducted by the Integrated Inspection Center at Tuas Checkpoint, a total of 25 e-cigarettes and related parts were discovered. These items were concealed under the driver's and passenger's seats of registered vehicles in Singapore. The offenders involved and the confiscated e-cigarettes have been handed over to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

According to reports, in the coming months, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will collaborate at the Land and Sea Checkpoints to conduct joint operations. These operations will include conducting security checks and collaborating with relevant agencies to prevent smuggling attempts, ensuring the safety of Singapore.

It is worth noting that e-cigarettes are prohibited by Singaporean law. The number of cases related to e-cigarettes seized at Singaporean checkpoints reached 1,656 in December 2023. Possessing, using, or purchasing e-cigarettes in Singapore is considered illegal and can result in a fine of up to SGD 2,000. Importing, distributing, selling, or promoting e-cigarettes and their components can lead to a maximum fine of SGD 10,000, a maximum of six months' imprisonment, or both. Additionally, the punishment increases with each subsequent offense.