Malaysian duo arrested after 36,000 illegal vapes hidden in cosmetics shipment at Singapore checkpoint
Two Malaysian men were arrested after Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers intercepted their attempt to smuggle more than 36,000 prohibited vaping products at a Malaysia-Singapore checkpoint.
Vaping devices. Photo from Instagram |
In a Facebook post published on Feb. 19, ICA reported that its officers stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry for inspection at Tuas Checkpoint on Feb. 2.
During the search, over 22,000 e-vaporisers and related components, as well as more than 14,000 heat-not-burn tobacco products, were found hidden within a shipment declared as cosmetics, according to AsiaOne.
The 28-year-old driver and the 21-year-old lorry attendant were arrested, and the case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.
Under enhanced penalties introduced on Sept. 1 last year, those convicted of importing vapes into Singapore face a jail term of up to six months, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both, for their first offence, according to The Straits Times.
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