Over 5,000 sleeping pills, e-cigarettes and accessories seized at Woodlands Checkpoint

SINGAPORE - A Singapore-registered car arriving at Woodlands Checkpoint was found to contain five bundles of sleeping pills, an e-cigarette and e-cigarette accessories, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced in a joint statement on Wednesday (Nov 18).

ICA officers found five bundles of sleeping pills wrapped in newspaper, hidden in the rear side panel of the car. More pills were uncovered from the 38-year-old Singaporean driver's waist pouch.

The seized pills included 5,000 Midazolam tablets, 26 Alprazolam tablets and 15 unknown white tablets.

The e-cigarette and its accessories were found below the driver's seat.

The driver is currently assisting the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) with investigations.

Under the Medicines Act and Poisons Act, the import and supply of Midazolam and Alprazolam are required to be licensed by HSA. Unlicensed dealers will incur a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.

The Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sales) Act prohibits the 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 like.

Any person who is convicted for this offence is liable to a fine of up to $5,000 for the first offence and a fine of up to $10,000 for the second or subsequent offence for each count of offence.

Anyone who has information on such illegal activities can call HSA at 6866 3485 (for health products) or 6684 2036 (for tobacco and related products) during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm).

debwong@sph.com.sg