On 16 February 2022, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) launched an anti-drug operation and arrested three Singaporean men in their 30s for suspected drug offences. Close to $700,000 worth of e-vaporisers and components were also seized by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
2. In the afternoon of 16 February, CNB officers arrested a 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old man in the vicinity of Upper Bukit Timah. The two men were escorted to a residential unit in the same vicinity, where a 37-year-old man was also arrested. A total of 2g of ‘Ice’, 18 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets and drug paraphernalia were seized from the unit. CNB officers also uncovered a significant number of e-vaporisers and related components within the unit, and alerted HSA.
3. HSA officers conducted a search of the premises and found large quantities of prohibited tobacco products. A total of 1,461 assorted e-vaporisers, 94,572 assorted pods (e-vaporiser components) and 78,091 Heetsticks (heat-not-burn tobacco) were seized by HSA. Investigations into the illicit activities of the arrested suspects are ongoing. Please refer to the Annex for photos of the items seized.
4. HSA would like to remind the public that the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act prohibits the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of imitation tobacco products. These include shisha tobacco, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco such as Gutkha, Khaini, Zarda, e-vaporisers and their components. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence. The purchase, use and possession of such products is also an offence. Any person convicted of this offence is liable to a fine of up to $2,000. All prohibited tobacco items will also be seized and confiscated.
5. Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can submit a report conveniently using the online form at www.go.gov.sg/reporttobaccooffences. Alternatively, they can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
21 February 2022
Footnote : For the latest information on how to contact HSA, please visit www.hsa.gov.sg/contact-us
Annex
Assorted e-vaporisers and pods uncovered at the premises on 16 Feb 2022.
(Photos: Health Sciences Authority)
