SINGAPORE — A 31-year-old Malaysian lorry driver has been sentenced to 40 days' jail for smuggling 750 e-vaporisers and 3,150 related components worth about S$73,000 into Singapore.

In a joint press release with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Thursday (Dec 7), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that the illegal goods were uncovered at Tuas Checkpoint on Oct 20.

The interception came after ICA officers detected anomalies in the scanned images of a Malaysia-registered lorry driven by Maran A/L Seger.

“The officers directed the lorry for further checks and uncovered numerous boxes of e-vaporisers and components concealed among cartons containing shampoo products,” ICA said.

Investigations by HSA revealed that Maran’s job was to deliver cosmetic products such as shampoos to Singapore twice a week. He had been doing so since August this year.

He would receive a notification from his employer on the delivery details and proceed with the delivery of the items.

“HSA reminds the public that the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act prohibits the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of illegal tobacco products.

“These include e-vaporisers and their components, shisha tobacco, and smokeless tobacco such as Gutkha, Khaini and Zarda,” the authority said

Anyone found guilty in the first instance may face a fine of up to S$10,000 or be jailed up to six months, or both.

For second and subsequent offences, they may be fined up to S$20,000 or jailed up to 12 months, or both. All prohibited tobacco items will be seized and confiscated.

HSA said that it strongly advises transport companies and drivers against bringing in unknown items and prohibited tobacco products into Singapore.

“Offenders will be detained in Singapore pending investigations and convicted offenders will be barred from entering Singapore.”

In its statement, ICA said that safeguarding the country's borders remains a top priority.

“ICA will continue to conduct security checks and work with the relevant authorities to detect and deter smuggling attempts so as to keep Singapore safe.”

Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers may contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 or 6684 2037.