More than 1,100 vapes found in modified car seat at Woodlands Checkpoint; man charged

A man has been charged after more than 1,100 e-vaporisers were uncovered in a car at Woodlands Checkpoint on Sept 17.

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers had directed the Malaysia-registered car to undergo enhanced checks and uncovered 1,169 e-vaporisers concealed in the modified back seat on Sept 17, according to an ICA Facebook post on Sept 19.

The Health Sciences Authority said on Sept 20 that the man was charged in court on Sept 19 in connection with the case.

He will appear for another court hearing on Oct 17.

The incident comes on the back of the largest haul of smuggled e-vaporisers detected at Singapore's land checkpoints since stronger penalties against vaping took effect on Sept 1.

On Sept 15, more than 18,400 e-vaporisers and 1,400 related components were uncovered in a lorry at Tuas Checkpoint.

The Malaysia-registered lorry was profiled through a pre-arrival risk assessment by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre, and was directed to undergo enhanced checks.

A Malaysian man has been arrested in connection with the Sept 15 case, ICA added.

Singapore is taking a more comprehensive approach to tackling vaping, which is now considered a drug issue, with stiffer penalties imposed. As of Sept 1, anybody caught possessing, using or buying vapes faces higher penalties.

Abusers of vapes laced with synthetic drugs like etomidate or ketamine, also known as Kpods, can be subject to rehabilitation, mandatory supervision and detention.

Etomidate, which was previously listed under the Poisons Act, has been listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act since Sept 1. Kpod sellers face higher penalties under this Act.

Those who wish to quit vaping can seek help at the Health Promotion Board's QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.