ICA seizes more than 850 vapes, components in five days at checkpoints

A couple in their late 20s surrendered three vapes when asked by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Changi Airport Terminal 1 on Aug 22.

- Christine Tan

After they arrived and collected their luggage, an ICA officer asked if they had vapes and other contraband items.

The man dug out one vape from his pocket, while the woman quietly handed over another two from her handbag. The man asked: "Can't bring this?"

The ICA officer told him vapes were prohibited in Singapore, adding: "We are going to dispose of this. But next time, if you commit the same (crime), it may not just be disposal. We will need to fine (you)."

There were 184 vape cases detected across Singapore's air, land and sea checkpoints over five days between Aug 18 and 22.

More than 850 vapes and their components were seized.

ICA officers also found more than 2,400 packets of chewing tobacco, and over 53,000 cartons and 3,900 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes during this period.

ICA gave these figures on Aug 23 after conducting enhanced checks against vapes over the week.

The move is part of stepped-up enforcement efforts mentioned in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech on Aug 17, where he said tougher action will be taken against vaping.