In Singapore, e-cigarettes aren’t just frowned upon; they’re illegal.
Unfortunately, not everyone got the memo and from time to time, for you’ll hear of people being caught for illegally selling these devices.
Just like the 14 people we’re going to talk about.
13 People Fined Over $255K for Selling E-Cigg & Accessories in S’pore on Social Media & Websites
According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), 14 people were caught illegally selling e-cigarettes and accessories in Singapore.
They purchased the devices and parts from overseas retailers, then sold them on social media and websites illegally.
It was added in HSA’s press release that when the individuals were raided, over S$50,000 worth of e-cigarettes and parts were seized during the raid.
Apparently, the group has been convicted in court between June and Aug 2020 and 13 of them were fined between $5,500 and $47,500.
In total, the amount fined came up to S$255,500.
The only person who wasn’t fined is a 20-year-old man, reportedly the youngest in the group.
Instead, he was sentenced to 15 months of probation.
He has to do 60 hours of community work, as well as stay indoors from 10pm to 6am.
Don’t Play Play With E-Cigarettes
You might think that the internet makes you untraceable but HSA caught these 14 individuals because of their surveillance and enforcement activities online.
In 2019, the highest amount of fine related to e-cigarettes dished out was $99,000. Yes, add a few more thousand and you can own a Honda Vezel, complete with COE and all.
They’ve caught and charged 35 people for selling e-cigarettes and parts since 2018 and say they’ll continue to crack down on e-cigarette sellers in Singapore.
For first time offenders, they could be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to six months, or both.
If you’re caught again, the penalties could double.
For anyone caught possessing, purchasing or using e-cigarettes and related parts, you could be fined up to $2,000.
Yes, all that money you saved on smoking e-cigarettes instead of tobacco ones would’ve gone straight to the government anyway.
Blanket Ban
The importation and sale of e-cigarettes have always been restricted under the blanket ban on imitation tobacco products.
In 2017, the nation extended the ban to include purchase, use and possession.
Though e-cigarettes may indeed be more environmentally-friendly than their more “simple-minded” peers, the pro does not come without its cons. In addition to nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals, e-cigarettes also contain fine particles known as PM 2.5 that could result in respiratory diseases.
In essence, the ban is intended to safeguard the public from the harmful effects of new-age tobacco products.
You can read about how desperate sellers are trying to get e-cigarettes into Singapore here.
Featured Image: Health Sciences Authority
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