More than 17, 900 people were detained in Singapore between January last year and March this month, according to a report released by the agency.
More than S$ 41 million ( S$ 1=RM 3.30 ) worth of e-vaporisers and related components were seized during the same time, according to a joint statement from the Health Ministry ( MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority ( HSA ).
The HSA also prosecuted 60 people between the ages of 17 and 43 for selling e-vaporizers, including two important figures involved in a gang circumstance worth more than S$ 5 million, according to the statement released on Friday.
The highest words to time for trafficking e-vaporizers were given to them for 10 months of prison and fined S$ 14, 000 and S$ 16, 000, both.
A significant member of another gang connected to a situation involving more than S$ 6.5 million fair of e-vaporizers was also apprehended in October 2024, and investigations are ongoing.
101 people were also found with e-vaporizers while conducting border checkpoint activities in Singapore.
The statement further stated that” visitors importing prohibited tobacco items into Singapore will be fined, and transportation companies and individuals are liable for trial.”
According to MOH and HSA, convicted immigrants may be deported and prohibited from re-entering Singapore.
Moreover, 15 people were identified and fined for posting photos or videos of e-vaporisers on their social media accounts during the same time, and over 6, 800 online listings of e-vaporizers and related parts were removed.
The possession, use, or purchase of e-vaporizers is governed by the Tobacco ( Control of Advertisements and Sale ) Act and can result in a maximum fine of S$ 2, 000.
Importing, selling, promoting, or putting up for sale e-vaporizers and their elements is also illegal.
Any man found guilty of a crime of this nature is subject to a fine of up to S$ 10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both for a second offence, and a fine of up to S$ 20,000, imprisonment for up to 12 weeks, or both for a second or subsequent crime. – Bernama