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Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers foiled an attempt to smuggle in over 1,200 heat sticks, e-vaporisers and related components via Changi Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday (Nov 23).<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Nov 25), ICA said that the case involved a 39-year-old South Korean woman who holds a Singapore employment pass.<\/p>\n
ICA officers asked the woman if she had anything to declare prior to baggage screening, but she said she had nothing to declare and officers proceeded with a check on her belongings.<\/p>\n
Two e-vaporisers, more than 50 e-vaporiser pods and over 1,200 heat sticks were found among her belongings, ICA added.<\/p>\n
Heat sticks refer to cylindrical tobacco products that can be placed within an electronic device that increases the temperature of the stick, releasing an aerosol containing nicotine and tobacco.<\/p>\n
The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.<\/p>\n
Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, the possession, use or purchase of vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.<\/p>\n
Importing, distributing, selling or offering for sale vapes and related components can also result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum of six months’ jail.<\/p>\n
The maximum fine and jail time is doubled for the second and subsequent offences.<\/p>\n
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