Singapore Authorities Crack Down on E-cigarette Smuggling, Driver Sentenced

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.08.2023
Singapore Authorities Crack Down on E-cigarette Smuggling, Driver Sentenced
Malaysian driver, Maran A/L Seger, was sentenced to 40 days in prison for attempting to smuggle e-cigarettes worth SGD $70,000.

According to a report from Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao on December 8th, a Malaysian driver by the name of Maran A/L Seger attempted to smuggle e-cigarette products worth approximately SGD 70,000 under the pretense of transporting shampoo. He has been sentenced to 40 days in jail.

 

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore issued a joint statement on Thursday, December 7, regarding the recent e-cigarette smuggling incident that was apprehended at the Tuas Checkpoint on October 20th.

 

During an X-ray scan conducted by law enforcement officers, a truck registered in Malaysia displayed abnormal images, leading to its interception. Upon further inspection, hidden within the truck's shampoo product boxes were 750 e-cigarettes and 3150 related accessories.

 

According to a survey conducted by the Department of Health Sciences, a 31-year-old individual named Malan was employed by an employer to transport shampoo and other products to Singapore twice a week between August and October this year. The Department of Health Sciences has advised the public that importing, distributing, or selling e-cigarettes and their associated accessories, hookahs, and smokeless tobacco are all considered illegal activities.

 

Under the tobacco laws, first-time offenders can be fined up to 10,000 yuan, imprisoned for a maximum of six months, or both; repeat offenders can be fined up to 20,000 yuan, imprisoned for a maximum of one year, or both. The Immigration Bureau also stated that it will continue to collaborate with relevant departments to enhance security checks, conduct inspections, and curb smuggling activities.

 

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