Man Fined Record $99k For Selling E-vaporisers aka Vape Online

I love Singapore, and I’m definitely proud of the country.

But if there is one thing you need to know about Singapore, it is that we have a lot of rules and regulations to follow, and we should never go against the law.

Ok, that’s two things to know.

Unless you want to end up like this man who was fined $99k, a record sum for the offence.

House Raided in 2015

Back in March 2015, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) raided a man’s house at Gangsa Road.

It was reported by TNP that the accused, Chong Weisheng, had sold $100k worth of loots and his unlawful activities were detected through HSA’s online surveillance and investigations.

Don’t play play, Singapore Government quite on to catch all you criminals.

Mr Chong was said to have purchased these e-cigarettes from overseas suppliers and to sell it through an e-commerce website.

The website has since been shut down by HSA.

Stiffest Penalty Since 2014

Mr Chong faced a total of 171 charges under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sale) Act.

He had since pleaded guilty to 33 of the charges and was sentenced to $99k fine, while the rest were taken into consideration for sentencing, according to CNA.

HSA has also revealed that Mr Chong had taken extra measures in hiding his illegal activities by changing his website domain twice, adding security features to his website, and titling all his sales transaction as “Computer IT Services”.

It was also reported that Mr Chong earned approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per month and has been operating his online business for 3 years, which pull a sum of $66,000 to $99,000 profits in total.

Seems like Mr Chong may have managed to break even.

However, Mr Chong’s lawyer had told the district court that he would be serving a jail term of 33 weeks instead as he is unable to pay his fine.

E-Cigarettes Is Prohibited In Singapore

Is there even a need for me to remind you about this?

But, anyway, in HSA press release, they have kindly reminded the members of the public that electronic vaporizers are NOT ALLOWED in Singapore.

In other words, you are not allowed to sell, possess for sale, import or distribute it.

For first-time offenders, you will be liable to a fine not more than $10,000 or a jail term not more than 6 months, or both.

For a second or subsequent offence, you can be fine up to $20,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months, or both.

As for those who own an e-cigarette, or purchased it, you will be fine up to $2,000.

So here’s a tip: Guys, you can go against your parents and pick up a smoking habit (not that I’m encouraging you), but do not go against Singapore’s law unless you want to end up like Mr Chong.

Besides that, e-cigarettes or vaping aren’t exactly healthy.