Singapore Seizes Over 8,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes, Including 'Unplug' Brand

Nov.13.2024

Singapore's ICA Intercepts 8,000 E-Cigarettes, Seizing Products from Brands Including "Unplug".

A Malaysian-registered truck attempting to smuggle over 8,000 e-cigarette products into Singapore was intercepted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), according to a media report.

On October 18, an observant ICA officer at the Tuas checkpoint noticed irregularities in the scan images of a truck and ordered a thorough inspection. During the search, officers discovered 8,040 e-cigarette products, including brands like "Unplug," concealed inside flattened cardboard boxes.

The case has been handed over to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.

Under Singapore’s Tobacco Control Act, the import, distribution, or sale of e-cigarettes is illegal. First-time offenders can face fines of up to SGD 10,000, six months in prison, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to SGD 20,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. Possession, use, or purchase of e-cigarettes can result in fines of up to SGD 2,000.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and HSA, between July and September 2024, 3,840 individuals were arrested for possessing or using e-cigarettes. In total, more than 9,300 people were arrested in the first three quarters of 2024, surpassing the total of 7,838 arrests in 2022.

References:

[1] 罗厘藏逾8000件电子烟图入境在大士关卡被识破

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

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

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

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

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

ACT Government Bill Targets Illicit Tobacco and Vapes with Tougher Powers

ACT Government Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2025, expanding authorised officers’ inspection, seizure and penalty powers to address illicit tobacco and vaping. The Bill enables $1,600 infringement notices for selling prohibited smoking products and classifies illicit tobacco as a prohibited smoking product under Territory law.

Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | GEEK BAR and Canada’s STLTH Co-Launch 80,000-Puff Vape, Now Available Across Multiple Channels

Canada’s STLTH has teamed up with GEEK BAR to launch the disposable “STLTH X GEEK BAR 80K,” featuring 30 ml of e-liquid and up to 80,000 puffs. The device is now available across multiple retail channels in Canada, priced around C$44.99–48.99.

Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Canadian Media Investigation: BAT’s Nicotine Pouch ZONNIC Sparks Ongoing Controversy as Regulatory Gaps in Canada Come Under Scrutiny

Canadian outlet Rebel News released a long-form video report examining Canada’s regulatory framework for nicotine pouches, market dynamics, and the approval process of ZONNIC, a product of BAT subsidiary Imperial Tobacco Canada. The report highlights issues involving youth access, regulatory gaps, black-market activity, retailer feedback, and company responses. This article summarizes key points based on the video.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Hounslow Crackdown Seizes £33,000 of Illegal Vapes and Combustible Cigarettes

Hounslow Council’s Trading Standards team, working with Metropolitan Police units, conducted test purchases across the borough and found seven premises selling illegal tobacco. Subsequent raids at 16 premises in Chiswick, Feltham and Hounslow High Street seized 4,859 illegal vapes (≈£30,000), 3,806 combustible cigarettes (≈£3,000), 16kg of shisha and 11kg of chewing tobacco. Offences included oversized tanks, over-strength nicotine, and unregistered products.