ICA seizes more than 850 vapes, components at Singapore checkpoints in 5 days

A couple in their late 20s surrendered three vapes when asked by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Changi Airport Terminal 1 on Aug 22.

After they arrived and collected their luggage, an ICA officer had asked if they had vapes and other contraband items.

The man dug out one vape from his pocket, while the woman quietly handed another two from her handbag to the officer. The man asked: "Can't bring this?"

The ICA officer told him vapes were prohibited in Singapore, adding: "We're going to dispose of this. But next time if you commit the same (crime), it may not just be disposal. We'll need to fine (you)."

There were 184 vape cases detected across Singapore's air, land and sea checkpoints over five days between Aug 18 and 22.

More than 850 vapes and its components were seized.

ICA officers also found more than 2,400 packets of chewing tobacco and over 53,000 cartons and 3,900 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes during this period.

ICA gave these figures on Aug 23 after conducting enhanced checks against vapes over the week.

The move is part of stepped up enforcement efforts mentioned in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech on Aug 17, where he said tougher action will be taken against vaping.

Noting the rise of vapes laced with addictive and harmful substances like etomidate, PM Wong had said the Government will treat vaping as a drug issue and impose stiffer penalties.

Vaping has been banned here since 2018, and those found to possess, use or purchase vapes can be fined up to $2,000.

ICA has several ways to detect vape users and smugglers.

Its Integrated Targeting Centre uses data analytics to assess travellers, conveyances and cargo before they reach Singapore. Those deemed to be of higher risk are flagged for checks upon arrival.

ICA officers also use radiographic and X-ray scanners, and handheld detection devices to uncover smuggled items.

Bins and signs

On Aug 22, the media were invited to witness ICA officers conducting enhanced checks at Tuas Checkpoint and T1.

Red bins for vapes, along with signs prohibiting vaping, were displayed prominently there.

Travellers will not be penalised if they bin the vapes or declare the devices to ICA officers, unless there are reasons for further investigation.

At T1's arrival hall, ICA officers found at least seven vapes in two hours.

The officers stopped some travellers who had collected their luggage and directed them towards the X-ray scanners for further checks.

Those who had vapes declared them voluntarily when asked.

Another couple and two solo male travellers surrendered their vapes, which were in their pockets or bags.

The officers warned them that vapes were not allowed in Singapore, before disposing of the devices in the bin.

At Tuas Checkpoint, ICA officers at the bus arrival halls, car and motorcycle lanes asked travellers if they had vapes and cigarettes to declare.

At least two male bus passengers surrendered their vapes when asked. One binned his vape voluntarily, while another handed a silver vape to an officer who disposed of it.

Every car passing through was checked by officers, who searched the interiors, boots and stowage spaces for contraband items.

As horns blared along the jam-packed motorcycle lanes, the officers continued their thorough checks and even shone torchlights inside the motorcyclists' helmets and jackets.

Tuas Checkpoint's senior assistant commander, Superintendent Toh Eng Siong, said travellers with vapes must declare them to ICA officers at the checkpoints.

Supt Toh added: "Those who fail to declare and are detected by officers to be in possession of e-vaporisers will be liable to fines or be referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation."

From January 2024 to March 2025, the Health Sciences Authority seized $41 million worth of vapes - nearly fivefold the reported value of vapes seized from 2019 to end-2023, according to numbers compiled by The Straits Times.

Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.

Those found possessing or using vape pods containing etomidate - an ingredient classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act - can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.

The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

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