SINGAPORE — A minimart located in Parklane Shopping Mall has become the first retailer in Singapore to lose its tobacco retail license after being caught selling illegal vape products. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on Tuesday (Aug 27) that Real Mate Mini-Mart had its license revoked following a raid that uncovered the illicit sale of e-vaporisers.

The operation, conducted on Aug 15, resulted in the discovery of several vape products being sold by a 24-year-old cashier. A 17-year-old cashier was also found in possession of an e-vaporiser during the raid. Officers seized both the vape products and some duty-unpaid cigarettes from the shop along Selegie Road, with the contraband cigarettes being referred to Singapore Customs for further action.

Further investigations led HSA officers to the minimart owner’s residence in Tampines and another mobile shop he owned in Geylang. These locations also contained illegal vape products, with over 120 items seized across the three sites. The minimart owner, a 34-year-old man, along with the two cashiers, is now cooperating with the ongoing investigations.

In response to media queries, HSA confirmed that this is the first instance of a tobacco retailer in Singapore having its license revoked due to the sale of vape products. “HSA takes a firm stance against violations of the law and will not hesitate to enforce stringent measures against any retailers or sellers involved in the illegal distribution of e-vaporisers,” the authority stated.

Illegal Sale and Use of Vapes

HSA reiterated that it is illegal to import, distribute, sell, or offer e-vaporisers and their components for sale in Singapore. First-time offenders found guilty of these activities face fines of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders may face increased penalties, including up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to S$20,000.

It is also against the law to purchase, use, or possess vape products in Singapore. Individuals caught with vapes can face a fine of up to S$2,000.

Rising Vaping-Related Offences

The crackdown on illegal vaping continues as authorities report a steady rise in vaping-related crimes. In 2023, there were approximately 8,000 recorded offences, representing a 43% increase from the 5,600 cases reported in 2022. This trend follows a similar rise in 2021, where 7,600 offences were documented.

In an effort to combat the growing issue, authorities ramped up checks at Singapore’s border checkpoints for e-vaporisers and their components, and also increased surveillance at public locations to catch individuals using the illegal devices. Between January and March of this year, over 2,200 people were caught either using or possessing vape products.

Ongoing Measures to Curb Vape Sales

HSA is also taking steps to deter the advertising, importation, and distribution of vapes. In May, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam announced that the authority was reviewing legal penalties to further discourage illegal vape activities. HSA continues to monitor social media, e-commerce platforms, and messaging services for illicit vape sales, and conducts operations to remove such content from the internet.

As the crackdown continues, the authorities reaffirm their commitment to reducing the prevalence of vaping in Singapore and ensuring that those involved in the illegal trade face significant consequences.