PUBLISHED ONAugust 20, 2026 6:42 AMBYSean LerImmigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers "put to rest" an attempt to smuggle over 900 vapes and more than 9,000 pods into Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint on Aug 8.
Pictures posted on ICA's Facebook on Thursday (Aug 20) show the items stowed in a rest area behind the driver's cabin, under what appears to be a quilt, cushion and pillow.
According to ICA, the Malaysia-registered lorry was directed for enhanced checks where its search and examination officers found more than 900 vaporisers and over 9,000 pods hidden in the cabin resting area.
A 46-year-old male Malaysian driver was arrested and the case referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigations.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, which came into force on 1 May 2026, those found vaping can be fined up to $10,000.
Those found vaping etomidate can be fined up to $20,000, or face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
Convicted suppliers face a jail sentence of two to 10 years and two to five strokes of the cane, while importers face between three to 20 years’ imprisonment, and five to 15 strokes of the cane.
Need support around vaping or addiction?
To report vaping offences: Contact Health Sciences Authority’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 / 6684-2037 (7am to 12am daily) or https://www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
To quit vaping: Contact Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme at 1800-438-2000 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/
For more addiction or substance abuse support:
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