More than 600kg of smokeless tobacco seized in Little India
Enforcement officers uncovered smokeless tobacco products hidden under drain covers, inside rubbish bins and electrical boxes.
Health Sciences Authority officers counting the seized smokeless tobacco products. (Photo: HSA)
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SINGAPORE: More than 600kg of smokeless tobacco products were seized by authorities during a six-week enforcement operation in Little India.
Smokeless tobacco, which is banned in Singapore, is tobacco that can be used without being burned. It includes chewing tobacco, snuff and snus.
The joint operations by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) were held from May 15 to Jun 30.
Enforcement officers uncovered smokeless tobacco hidden in various places in Little India and its vicinity, HSA and SPF said on Thursday (Jul 11).
They include under drain covers, inside rubbish bins and electrical boxes along Chander and Veerasamy Road, read the joint press release.
Twenty-seven people aged between 24 and 77 are being investigated for peddling and possession of the products and other property offences, said HSA and SPF.
The seized products have an estimated street value of over S$100,000 (US$74,200), they added.
Smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals and have been reported to cause cancer and oral health problems, the authorities said.
Anyone found guilty of importing, distributing, selling or offering to sell smokeless tobacco will face a fine of up to S$10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. Subsequent offenders could receive up to double the punishment.
Any person convicted of possession, purchase and use of smokeless tobacco is liable to a fine not exceeding S$2,000. The public is reminded not to purchase or bring smokeless tobacco products into Singapore, HSA and SPF warned.
"HSA takes a serious view of such offences and will not hesitate to take stern action on such offenders. HSA will continue to collaborate with partner enforcement agencies to curb the peddling of such products."
