Man Jailed After Plot to Steal $6M Vape Stash & Hit-and-Run Crash While Out on Bail
A 23-year-old Singaporean man, Elvin Suriaganandhan, has been sentenced to jail after a string of reckless decisions — from plotting to steal millions worth of illegal vapes to fleeing the scene of a car crash while out on bail.
Elvin was recruited by his friend, Lim Zhi Wei, to help steal e-vaporisers and components worth over S$6.5 million from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) warehouse. The contraband, totalling more than 189,000 vapes and 351,000 components, had been previously seized by HSA in investigations against a third man, Chua Wee Ming, reported CNA.
On 26 March 2024, Elvin and Lim conducted surveillance of the building, with plans for Lim to climb down from a unit above the warehouse. However, HSA officers spotted the duo during the stakeout and swiftly arrested them.
From Vape Heist Plot to Road Menace
Just two weeks later, while out on bail, Elvin got into another brush with the law. On 9 April 2024, he crashed his car along Tampines Avenue 10 after taking a left turn at high speed. The vehicle skidded, crossed three lanes, and slammed into the guard railings, tearing off part of the car’s front section.
Instead of reporting the accident, Elvin panicked and abandoned his damaged car, fleeing home on foot. A passing motorist who witnessed the crash contacted the police, leading to further charges against him.
Court Sentencing and Prosecution’s Stand
In court, prosecutors stressed the seriousness of the case, noting that the stolen vapes were key evidence in ongoing prosecutions under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. They highlighted the extensive damage caused in the road accident as further proof of Elvin’s disregard for the law.
He was sentenced to six weeks and 10 days’ jail and banned from driving for 12 months. While his lawyer pleaded for leniency, describing Elvin as a young man with “a bright future” who was caring for his mother, the court ruled that his actions warranted custodial time.
This case adds to the mounting concern over illegal vaping in Singapore, where authorities continue to clamp down on the trade of e-cigarettes, which remain banned.