HSA Seized Over $2 Million Worth of E-Vaporisers & Related Components After a Tip-Off

By
Shawn Ambrose
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Back when PMD riders were still gracing our streets with their devices, e-cigarettes and other forms of vaporisers were already illegal.

In fact, even before possessing, purchasing, and using vaporisers were officially made illegal on 1 Feb 2018, vapers were already being convicted and punished for possession as early as 2016.

At the time, they were prosecuted under section 16 of the Tobacco Act, which prohibits the import, distribution, sale of any article that is designed to resemble a tobacco product.

Even back then, pleading ignorance of such laws wouldn’t have worked. Now, everyone knows that it’s illegal to vape in Singapore.

But, seduced by the promise of riches, some people are still bringing them into the country.

HSA Seized Over $2 Million Worth of E-Vaporisers & Related Components After a Tip-Off

Earlier this month, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) received a tip-off about a suspicious storage facility in Boon Lay.

When officers conducted an inspection on 11 Oct, they must have had trouble picking their jaws from the floor.

In total, they seized  10,057 assorted e-vaporisers, 48,822 assorted pods (e-vaporiser components) and 187 e-liquids, which amounted to $2,260,825.

This is HSA’s largest haul of tobacco products with regard to its volume and street value.

“This successful operation has disrupted the operations of an illegal e-vaporisers supply chain,” it said in a statement.

Three people are currently assisting the HSA in its investigations.

Importers of E-Vaporisers Can be Jailed for 6 Months For First Offence

We all know that purchasing, using, or possessing is illegal, and is punishable with a fine of up to $2,000.

But those who import these products may find themselves in a lot more trouble.

For their first offence, those convicted face a fine of up to $10,000, up to six months’ jail, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000 and/or to 12 months’ jail.

WHO: Evidence Shows E-Cigarettes & Other Forms of Vaping Are Harmful

On its website, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that e-cigarette emissions typically contain nicotine and other toxic substances that are harmful to both users, and that some products which claim to be nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine.

While it said that it’s “too early” to provide a clear answer on the long-term impact of using them or being exposed to them, current evidence shows that they are harmful to health and not safe.

“They are particularly risky when used by children and adolescents. Nicotine is highly addictive and young people’s brains develop up to their mid-twenties. Exposure to nicotine of children and adolescents can have long-lasting, damaging effects on brain development and there is risk of nicotine addiction,” it said.

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Featured Image: HSA

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]