SINGAPORE: A total of 2,400 units of vapes and their related components were found on a lorry entering Singapore at Tuas Checkpoint on Tuesday (July 29).
In a statement on Facebook on July 30, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said it foiled the smuggling attempt made via a Malaysia-registered lorry.
The lorry was carrying cargo declared as precast products.
Based on information received by ICA’s Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC), ICA officers directed the vehicle for enhanced checks.
The vapes and related components were found hidden inside the lidded compartment of a flat plate, which was on top of the trailer chassis.
A chassis is an undercarriage structure that supports a vehicle’s other components, such as the engine and wheels.
The case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.
The ITC is a new unit under ICA that uses data analytics to identify high-risk foreigners before their arrival.
These foreigners are flagged for more stringent checks at immigration.
A total of 33,100 foreigners were denied entry in 2024 after being found to pose immigration or security risks to the nation, according to figures released in February.
From January 2024 to March 2025, HSA seized $41 million worth of vapes – nearly fivefold the reported value of vapes seized from 2019 to end-2023, according to numbers compiled by The Straits Times.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint statement on July 12 that they are looking at enhancing laws around vaping.
On July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that both ministries are working together to list etomidate, which is increasingly being abused through vapes, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
With etomidate listed as a Class C drug under the Act, the authorities will be able to take tougher actions against suppliers and users of vapes with the drug.
Since July 21, HSA has extended operating hours for its Tobacco Regulation Branch hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 to report vaping-related offences.
The hotline operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
- The Straits Times/ANN
