The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) carried out a major enforcement operation on 22 July 2025, following a courier company’s alert that exposed an illegal e-vaporiser shipment. The package, falsely declared as containing food, was discovered to hold vape pods after its recipient inadvertently revealed its contents.
Acting on the tip-off, HSA officers raided two locations. At the first, a private residence along Grange Road, officers uncovered 43 vape pods, 13 e-vaporisers, related components, and drug paraphernalia. A 25-year-old woman, allegedly running the illegal trade, was found at the scene in an unresponsive state.
The second raid, conducted the same day at a Tampines Street 33 flat, targeted a suspected buyer. There, authorities discovered about 0.6g of methamphetamine (‘Ice’), heat-not-burn tobacco products, a vape device, pods laced with etomidate (commonly referred to as Kpods), as well as duty-unpaid cigarettes. Police arrested the 34-year-old man on the spot, with his case also referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Investigations into Vape and Drug Offences
Both individuals are currently under probe by HSA for e-vaporiser offences and by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for suspected drug-related crimes. The case highlights how Singapore’s strict anti-vaping laws often overlap with wider enforcement against drug and customs violations.
Vapes remain banned in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, which prohibits possession, purchase, and use of such products — including those bought online or from overseas. Offenders face fines of up to S$2,000 simply for possession. Importing, distributing or selling vapes is treated as a more serious crime, carrying fines of up to S$10,000 and six months’ jail for a first offence. Repeat offenders risk double the penalties.
Authorities Stress Tough Action Against Offenders
HSA reiterated its zero-tolerance stance in its press statement, stressing that all seized tobacco products will be confiscated. The agency warned that vape products often contain harmful or unregulated substances, making them a public health concern.
The case also underscores how sellers and buyers are increasingly turning to creative but illegal channels, from misdeclared parcels to discreet online transactions, to obtain these banned devices. Authorities urged the public to report such activities, highlighting that enforcement operations will continue to clamp down hard on offenders.
This incident serves as a reminder that vaping in Singapore not only comes with serious financial and legal consequences but can also endanger health due to the unknown substances hidden within these products.
Image Source: HSA