Singapore authorities have arrested a 29-year-old man after uncovering a massive stash of illegal vaping products in what is believed to be one of the largest enforcement operations against the prohibited devices in recent months.
The seizure, carried out by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), involved nearly 67,000 vaporisers and related components with an estimated street value exceeding S$1.1 million. The haul was discovered during an operation targeting an illegal shipment of vaping products entering Singapore.
Officials said the enforcement action took place on Feb. 24 following intelligence gathered by investigators. The case has once again highlighted the ongoing crackdown on illegal e-cigarette distribution in Singapore, where strict laws govern the import and sale of such products.
Authorities confirmed that investigations into the case are still ongoing.
Warehouse In Mandai Allegedly Used To Store Illegal Vape Products
According to investigators, follow-up checks after the arrest led officers to a commercial warehouse located in Mandai. The facility was allegedly being used to store large quantities of vaporisers intended for local distribution across Singapore.
The arrested man is believed to have been responsible for managing the warehouse operations linked to the shipment. Authorities suspect the premises functioned as a storage hub for the illegal vaping products before they were circulated within the country.
Images released by the HSA showed stacks of boxes and containers filled with vaporisers and related components inside the warehouse. The scale of the seizure indicates a sophisticated supply chain possibly designed to distribute the prohibited devices across various channels.
Officials said the seizure represents the largest operation of its kind since September 2025, reflecting intensified enforcement against illegal vape networks.
Singapore Maintains Strict Laws Against Vaporisers
Under Singapore law, vaporisers and electronic cigarettes remain prohibited products. The legislation governing these devices falls under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, which bans the import, sale, distribution and advertisement of such products.
Individuals found guilty of importing or selling vaporisers can face severe penalties. For a first offence, offenders may receive a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Repeat offenders face heavier punishment, including fines of up to S$20,000 and up to 12 months’ imprisonment.
The authorities have repeatedly warned that enforcement operations will continue as part of Singapore’s public health strategy aimed at preventing vaping among youths and the wider population.
Tougher Vape Laws Coming Into Force In May 2026
Even stricter regulations are set to take effect soon under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA), which will come into force on May 1, 2026.
The new legislation introduces significantly harsher penalties targeting importers, suppliers and property owners who allow such products to be stored on their premises.
Importers of vaporisers may face mandatory imprisonment of up to nine years along with fines of up to S$300,000. Suppliers could be jailed for up to six years and fined up to S$200,000.
In addition, owners or occupiers of buildings who knowingly allow illegal vape products to be stored on their premises without exercising proper oversight may also face penalties, including fines of up to S$100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years.
Authorities have encouraged members of the public to report information related to illegal vaping activities as enforcement efforts continue across Singapore.