HSA nabs man who allegedly sold e-vaporisers to students at West Mall
Assorted e-vaporisers and components uncovered at the man's residence. (Photo: Health Sciences Authority)
SINGAPORE: A 36-year-old man was nabbed on Jan 20 for allegedly selling electronic vaporisers to students at West Mall, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Tuesday (Jan 31).
In a news release, HSA said it mounted a covert operation after receiving a tip-off that a retail outlet in a neighbourhood shopping mall was selling the prohibited products to students.
“The peddler was operating from his workplace at the mall and had stored the prohibited items there as well as at his residence,” it added.
More than 400 e-vaporisers and 350 components were seized after an operation at a West Mall shop and a residence in Tampines.
The items seized had an estimated street value of more than S$11,000, said HSA.
“Large quantities of e-vaporisers and related components with an estimated street value of more than S$11,000 were seized,” it said.
The man is currently assisting HSA with investigations.
“HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions on those who conduct illegal activities such as the peddling of prohibited e-vaporisers to the general public, especially to youths and students,” the authority said.
Those convicted of importing, distributing, selling or offering to sell imitation tobacco products face a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months in prison, or both for their first offence.
Those convicted of a second or subsequent offence face a fine of up to S$20,000, up to 12 months in prison, or both.
It is also an offence to purchase, use and possess such products, with each offence punishable by a fine of up to S$2,000. Any prohibited tobacco items will also be seized and confiscated.
Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours.
