HSA shuts down illegal e-cigarette peddling operations

SINGAPORE — A 31-year-old man who allegedly sold e-cigarettes online is assisting with investigations, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said today (March 19).

He is said to have illegally purchased parts from various overseas suppliers to assemble and modify e-cigarette products, which he sold via an e-commerce website, it added. The website has been shut down.

Under the law, it is an offence to import, distribute or sell e-cigarettes, e-pipes and e-cigars. During the debate on the Health Ministry’s budget last Thursday, the Government also said it is looking at banning emerging tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, later this year to curb more young people from picking up smoking.

In its press release today, the HSA said its Tobacco Regulation Branch raided an HDB flat at Gangsa Road after detecting the 31-year-old suspect’s alleged activities through online surveillance and investigation.

Transaction records seized revealed that he sold about S$100,000 worth of e-cigarettes, the HSA added.

If found guilty, the suspect will be fined up to S$5,000 for the first offence. A fine of up to S$10,000 will be meted for a second or subsequent offence for each count of offence.

Even though e-cigarettes are being marketed as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes and as a way to quit smoking, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness, HSA said. CHANNEL NEWSASIA