Malaysian car found with e-cigarettes at Woodlands customs

SINGAPORE - A Malaysian-registered car was found with nine sets of e-cigarettes and 113 bottles of e-cigarette accessories during a routine inspection on Aug 23, 12.30am at Woodlands Checkpoint.

According to a joint statement by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA), ICA officers detected the stash in a bag placed in the car boot. Some were also found under the rear seat, behind the glove compartment and radio compartment.

The driver and passenger, both males aged 34 and 26, are assisting with investigation. The exhibits have been referred to the HSA.

E-cigarettes are strictly prohibited in Singapore under the Tobacco Act.

The act also prohibits import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of any article that is designed to resemble a tobacco product; this includes vaporisers such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars and the likes.

The public is strongly advised not to purchase or bring e-cigarettes into Singapore. The public should also refrain from using e-cigarettes and discard any e-cigarettes they have in possession.

HSA encourages members of the public who have information on the illegal sales of e-cigarettes to call its Tobacco Regulation Branch at 66842036 or 66842037 during office hours from 9am to 5.30pm on Monday to Friday.

debwong@sph.com.sg