A Malaysian man was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint on 27 August 2025 after officers discovered more than 890 e-vaporisers and 6,700 related components hidden inside his van.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a Facebook post on 28 August that the Malaysia-registered vehicle was declared to be carrying air-conditioning equipment and servicing parts.
Officers flagged the vehicle for further checks, which revealed concealed contraband.
ICA officers found the e-vaporisers hidden in boxes inside the van. Further searches uncovered additional devices and components stashed inside an air-conditioning unit and its parts.
More items were later discovered in multiple compartments of the vehicle.
The Police K-9 unit was deployed to assist in the search, which eventually uncovered the full haul.
The man was arrested and the case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for investigation.
ICA stated that border security plays a central role in Singapore’s enforcement strategy against e-vaporisers.
It emphasised that its officers remain committed to safeguarding Singapore’s borders against such smuggling attempts.
Singapore has increased its enforcement measures against vaping in recent months.
According to ICA, between April and June 2025, joint operations with HSA uncovered 19 large-scale smuggling cases, resulting in the seizure of about 90,000 e-vaporisers and related products.
Just last week, over 850 devices were seized at border checkpoints.
ICA officers at Tuas Checkpoint also foiled an attempt to smuggle 2,200 e-vaporisers and related components hidden in the cabin and toolbox of a Malaysian-registered lorry on 5 August.
In his National Day Rally speech earlier this month, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong described vaping as a “drug issue“.
He announced that authorities would introduce tougher penalties, including jail terms, for those caught selling vapes containing harmful substances.
Under current law, the purchase, possession, and use of vapes are prohibited in Singapore, including those bought online or overseas. Offenders can be fined up to S$2,000.
Individuals convicted of importing, distributing, or selling vapes or their components may face fines of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties.
Additional measures apply to vapes containing controlled substances. Those found in possession of Kpods — vapes laced with the sedative etomidate — may be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.
From 1 September 2025, etomidate will be classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which will further stiffen penalties for offenders. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed the update earlier this month.
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