50 Days' Jail For Woman Who Bought Vape Products In Malaysia To Sell In Singapore
There were a total of 17 individuals who were prosecuted for illegally selling electronic vaporisers in Singapore.
A 24-year-old woman by the name of Chelsea Tan Yan Qi was caught illegally selling vaporisers and other related components on Telegram
According to a press statement released by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA), investigations found that Tan had smuggled the illegal items into Singapore from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, using a car she had rented in the Malaysian city.
Tan's husband and employee were reported to have assisted her in the operation. The statement further revealed that the e-vaporiser supplier had also helped the suspects hide the illegal goods in various parts of the car, namely the door panels, to avoid detection by border officers.
Tan was served with a total fine of SGD23,000 (RM73,869) on charges of selling and offering e-vaporisers.
According to the report, Tan received the highest fine amongst other suspects.
It was revealed that Tan was unable to pay the hefty fine and was sentenced to 50 days in jail instead. Her accomplices have also been charged and were dealt with separately.
In separate cases, 14 other individuals were prosecuted for the illegal sale and distribution of e-vaporisers in Singapore. The suspects involved in the illegal activity were reported to be between the ages of 20 and 39 and received a combined fine of SGD114,500 (RM367,942). The suspects were convicted between February and August 2022.
More than SGD170,000 (RM546,205) worth of e-vaporisers were seized by the HSA.
Image via Health Sciences Association
Singapore strictly prohibits the sale, possession for sale, importation, and distribution of e-vaporisers and other related components
According to Singapore's tobacco laws, anyone caught breaking this rule is liable to receive a fine of up to SGD10,000 (RM32,130) or a prison sentence of up to six months or both.
If the suspect is a repeat offender, a fine of up to SGD20,000 (RM64,260) or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both will be meted out.
It is also prohibited to purchase, possess, or use of e-vaporisers in Singapore. Anyone caught going against this rule will receive a fine of up to SGD2,000 (RM6,426) per offence. The HSA has also advised the public not to bring in any e-vaporisers or any related components into Singapore.
Whether intentional or not, items being brought into a country that prohibits them have caused many to pay a hefty price for their mistake:
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