Two attempts to smuggle a total of 1,600 pieces of heat sticks (used in heat-not-burn tobacco products) and 53 pieces of e-vaporiser paraphernalia were foiled by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
In a Facebook post on Thursday (8 Oct), ICA stated that its officers noticed anomalies in the packages’ x-ray images during the course of checks at Changi Airfreight Centre on Tuesday (6 Oct).
In the first case, 800 pieces of heat sticks and 53 pieces of e-vaporiser paraphernalia such as pods and filters were found concealed in packages of facial masks declared as “Masks/T-shirts/Beauty Products”.
Three hours later, another 800 pieces of heat sticks were uncovered, concealed in food packages.
The two cases were then referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigations.
“This method of concealment is a cause for concern as similar methods may be used by people with ill intent to smuggle security items into Singapore”, the authority wrote, adding that it will continue to conduct security checks on passengers, goods, and vehicles to safeguard Singapore’s security.
If found guilty of smuggling, offenders can be fined up to S$10,000 or jailed up to six months or both.
The use, purchase, or possession of electronic vaporisers is also an offence, punishable with a fine up to S$2,000.
