In a recent incident at a Harvey Norman outlet in West Mall shopping centre, a 36-year-old man, Marcus Chen Jun Ming, faced a hefty fine of S$13,700 (US$10,210) on Thursday (Nov 23). This penalty was imposed after authorities discovered hundreds of vapes and pods at his workplace.
The Operation
On Jan 20, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) launched an operation following a tip-off regarding the sale of vapes to students in the area. This section will shed light on the events surrounding this operation.
Discovery at the Workplace

The HSA officers made a significant discovery during the operation at the Harvey Norman outlet. Details will be provided about the items found, Chen’s arrest, and the quantities of vapes and pods seized from the store.
V. Search at Chen’s Residence
Subsequently, HSA officers extended their search to Chen’s residence, unearthing a substantial number of boxes of pods and vapes. This part of the article will delve into the findings at his home.
Chen’s Admission
Marcus Chen Jun Ming did not deny ownership of the items found. However, an interesting twist arises as he claims that some of the seized items were for his personal use. We’ll explore this admission in detail.
Legal Consequences
Importing, distributing, or selling imitation tobacco products is a serious offense. This section will outline the legal consequences faced by individuals convicted of such actions, including the fines and potential imprisonment.
The legal repercussions extend beyond sellers to buyers and possessors of prohibited tobacco products. We’ll explore the fines and consequences associated with purchasing, using, and possessing such items.