In a surprising turn of events, Lim Zhi Wei, a 38-year-old Singaporean, recently found himself in legal trouble after reporting a break-in at his warehouse. The twist? The alleged stolen items were not high-tech gadgets but e-vaporisers and related products.
Introduction
Lim Zhi Wei was slapped with a hefty fine of S$8,500 for violating the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. The charges stemmed from his involvement in selling or advertising imitation tobacco products.
False Break-In Report
Lim’s troubles began when he reported a break-in at the warehouse he managed. He claimed that IT gadgets were stolen, leading to a police investigation. However, the investigation revealed a shocking truth— the stolen items were e-cigarette devices and related components, not the expected IT gadgets.
The police seized an extensive array of e-vaporisers and related items from Lim’s possession. The haul included 60,050 pods, 172 boxes of vaporisers with pods, and various other components. This shed light on the scale of Lim’s illicit activities.
The case took an official turn when the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) got involved. They discovered additional e-cigarettes and components during a search of Lim’s home. Prohibited items were also found in the rental car linked to Lim.
Lim’s Admission and Allegations
Lim, confronted with the evidence, admitted to packing, selling, and delivering e-cigarettes and related components in Singapore. He even went further, implicating a purported Malaysian man named Jason and another person known as William in the operations.
Payment and Operations
Lim revealed that he received payments for his activities, earning S$10 for each delivery and S$1 for each parcel he packed. In a span of two months, he amassed a significant sum, ranging from S$2,000 to S$3,000.
Specific Incidents of Sale
Some specific incidents highlight Lim’s modus operandi. For instance, he sold 50 boxes of assorted flavors of pods for S$9 per box and advertised unique flavors like “root beer” and grape on WhatsApp.
Legal Consequences
The Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act outlines severe penalties for selling imitation tobacco products. A first-time offender like Lim faces potential imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. Repeat offenders could see double the maximum fine and jail term.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lim Zhi Wei’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of engaging in the illicit trade of imitation tobacco products. The authorities are vigilant, and the legal repercussions are severe for those involved in such activities.