Singapore reports 52% increase in e-cigarette offences with 3,840 arrests

Oct.24.2024

Singapore sees a 52% increase in e-cigarette-related arrests, with 3,840 people fined from July to September 2024.

A total of 3,840 people were arrested and fined for possessing or using e-cigarettes in Singapore between 1 July and 30 September, according to Berita Harian on 23 October. This figure represents a 52% increase from the previous quarter.

There were a total of 743 cases of students using e-cigarettes, including those referred by schools and tertiary institutions, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Of these cases, 591 were detected during community enforcement patrols, 44 were detected during enforcement activities around tertiary institutions and 16 were detected at checkpoints.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) monitored online content to identify people using e-cigarettes in public places or holding e-cigarettes in photos or videos. In July and August 2024, the HSA issued fines to five people caught using e-cigarettes in this way, and deleted related videos and photos on Instagram and TikTok.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted multiple operations at air, land and sea checkpoints. Approximately 4,000 visitors were screened and 16 people were arrested for carrying e-cigarettes.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have stated that transporters and drivers caught bringing prohibited tobacco products into Singapore will face enforcement action. Foreign nationals found guilty of this offence will be deported and banned from re-entering the country.

References:

[1] 3,840 ditangkap, didenda miliki ‘vape' dari Jul hingga Sep 2024, Berita

Also Read:

[1] ICA Foils Attempt to Smuggle 37,588 E-Cigarettes into Singapore

[2] Singapore Man Arrested for Illegal E-Cigarette Operation Worth $240M

[3] ICA successfully busts two smuggling cases at Singapore checkpoint

[4] Singapore Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint

[5] Rising Concerns: E-Cigarette Usage Reported by Singaporean Taxi Drivers

[6] Singapore Cracks Down on e-cigarette Usage: Over 5000 Caught

[7] Singapore Authorities Seize $3.71 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes

[8] Singapore Health Sciences Authority Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Black Market

[9] Singapore strengthens crackdown on e-cigarette promotion and sales

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Singapore

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