A bold attempt to smuggle thousands of e-vaporisers into Singapore has been thwarted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at Tuas Checkpoint, reinforcing the agency’s vigilance in curbing illicit imports that threaten public health and safety.
On 29 July 2025, a Malaysia-registered lorry entering Singapore under the guise of transporting “Precast Products” was flagged for further checks after ICA’s Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) received intelligence suggesting suspicious activity.
ICA officers promptly directed the vehicle for enhanced inspection. What they uncovered was a carefully concealed cache — 2,400 e-vaporisers and related components hidden inside a lidded compartment of a flat plate mounted above the trailer chassis.
Smuggling Disguised as Trade
The concealment method suggests deliberate intent to deceive border controls by leveraging the appearance of legitimate cargo. Smugglers had likely hoped that the nondescript nature of precast construction products would help the lorry pass through undetected.
However, thanks to ICA’s risk-profiling systems and targeted intelligence, officers were able to intercept the vehicle before the illicit goods made it past our borders.
Case Handed Over to HSA
Following the seizure, the case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation. The HSA will determine the exact nature of the seized products and pursue enforcement action where necessary.
In Singapore, the sale, import, or possession of e-vaporisers — including e-cigarettes and vape-related accessories — is strictly prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Offenders can face fines of up to S$10,000, jail terms of up to 6 months, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offences.
ICA Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Borders
The ICA reaffirmed its mission in a statement on social media:
“As Guardians of Our Borders, ICA is committed to facilitating trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure.”
This incident adds to a growing list of successful interdictions at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, where ICA has deployed advanced scanning technology, behavioural analysis, and intelligence-led inspections to combat illegal imports.
Public Vigilance Still Crucial
While enforcement agencies continue to crack down on such activities, authorities also urge the public to avoid purchasing or consuming unregulated vape products, especially those acquired through online sellers or overseas trips.
Singapore’s firm anti-vaping stance is rooted in public health concerns, especially among youths, and cases like this show that enforcement remains a top priority.
More updates on this case are expected as investigations by HSA continue.