Largest land checkpoint bust of 2024 uncovers over 37,000 e-vaporisers
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) thwarted a major attempt to smuggle vape products into Singapore on August 21, seizing 37,588 pieces of e-vaporisers and refills. The contraband was discovered in a Malaysia-registered lorry at Tuas Checkpoint and represents the largest vape bust at Singapore’s land checkpoints for 2024.
Details of the Seizure
Detection: ICA officers flagged irregularities in scanned images of the vehicle, prompting further checks that uncovered the illegal goods. The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.
Vape Use in Singapore:
The smuggling attempt comes amid a significant crackdown on vaping in Singapore. In the first half of 2024 alone, over 5,400 people were caught possessing or using e-vaporisers. This follows a rise in vape-related cases, which jumped by 58% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Vaping Concerns Among Students:
The Ministry of Education revealed that an average of seven out of every 1,000 students across various education levels were caught for smoking or vaping offences.
As the government intensifies efforts to curb the illicit trade and use of vapes, authorities continue to step up checks, including in high-traffic areas like the Central Business District.
