Police launched an enforcement operation and busted a cross-border e-cigarette crime syndicate, arresting 12 men and women. They will be charged in court.
According to The Straits Times, the Singapore Police Force and the Health Sciences Authority issued a joint statement in the early hours of the 18th, stating that on the 16th, police conducted operations across the island and arrested 12 people aged between 25 and 35. These 11 men and one woman are believed to be part of a crime syndicate that imported e-cigarettes from Malaysia to Singapore for sale.
During the operation, officers first took action at a car park near Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, where the syndicate members were allegedly gathering and distributing e-cigarettes for delivery to local customers.
Police then raided several locations, including two warehouses used to store e-cigarettes.
Authorities seized a total of more than 64,000 e-cigarettes and related accessories, with a market value exceeding S$560,000 (approximately RM 1.82 million).
All 12 individuals will be charged in court on the 18th. Four will be charged with conspiring to possess e-cigarettes for sale, while the remaining eight will be charged with possessing e-cigarettes for sale.
According to tobacco laws, importing, distributing, or selling e-cigarettes is illegal. First-time offenders may be fined up to S$10,000, or face up to six months' imprisonment, or both; repeat offenders can face fines of up to S$20,000, or up to one year’s imprisonment, or both.