A 31-year-old Singaporean man has been sentenced to two weeks’ jail after he was caught smuggling a large number of vaping products into Singapore — a decision that has sparked an online uproar among netizens.
James Wong Jun Jie was stopped at Woodlands Checkpoint in September 2024 while driving back from Johor Bahru. During a search, authorities uncovered more than 1,800 e-vaporisers and vape pods hidden throughout his car. A subsequent raid on his home turned up even more contraband, reported The Straits Times.
The court heard that the stash was intended for illegal distribution within Singapore, where the sale, possession and use of vapes remain strictly prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. First-time offenders face fines of up to S$10,000, jail of up to 6 months, or both.
Judge Wong Li Tein ruled that a community-based sentence was inappropriate, stressing the gravity of Wong’s actions and the ongoing concerns around the growing vape culture among youths. Despite that, the final sentence amounted to just two weeks in jail — a decision that sparked widespread criticism online.
Public Reactions: “He Should’ve Gotten More Time”
Many Singaporeans took to social media to express their disbelief at the seemingly lenient punishment, especially given the scale of Wong’s offence.
One Facebook user wrote, “He brought in over a thousand vapes leh! That’s not for personal use, it’s clearly for black market selling. Two weeks? He’ll be out before the boxes even clear customs.”
Another netizen commented, “So many teenagers are getting hooked on vapes now, and yet the law is still giving light sentences. We need harsher penalties to send a clear message.”
Health advocates have long warned about the dangers of vaping, with several highlighting that many e-liquids contain nicotine levels higher than regular cigarettes, potentially leading to even stronger addiction.
“Don’t be fooled by the fruity flavours and trendy packaging,” one commenter said. “These devices are harmful, addictive, and marketed in a way that targets young people. Anyone bringing them in is putting profits above public health.”
Vaping Remains Illegal in Singapore
Singapore has taken a firm stance against vaping, with enforcement stepped up at border checkpoints and online platforms. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regularly conducts raids and seizures, while the Ministry of Health continues to warn the public about the health risks associated with e-vaporisers.
The incident also highlights the ongoing challenge in curbing illegal imports via the land border, where smuggling attempts from Malaysia are a common concern due to price differences and relaxed regulations across the Causeway.
A Call for Tougher Measures
Many Singaporeans believe that the country’s zero-tolerance approach towards vaping should be matched with appropriately tough penalties.
“It’s not just about punishing smugglers — it’s about protecting our children,” one user shared. “If word spreads that you can walk free in two weeks after bringing in a mountain of vapes, what kind of deterrent is that?”
With vaping cases reportedly on the rise, there are increasing calls for reviews of sentencing guidelines to ensure they reflect the seriousness of the offence — especially when profit-driven smuggling is involved.