Man handed three vaping-related charges including importing more than 3,000 pods
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Neo Yeow Siang was at the Woodlands Checkpoint on March 7 when he allegedly imported “Heetsticks”, pods and two vaporisers
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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SINGAPORE – A man was handed three vaping-related charges on Aug 7, including one count of importing 3,080 pods in assorted flavours.
Neo Yeow Siang, 44, was also charged with importing 5,600 “Heetsticks” – tobacco products that are heated and not burned, providing users with a smokeless experience.
The Singaporean was at the Woodlands Checkpoint at around 4am on March 7 when he allegedly imported the Heetsticks, pods and two vaporisers, court documents stated.
At around noon that day, he allegedly had 10 disposable vaporisers in a Sengkang Housing Board flat.
Neo’s case will be mentioned again in court on Sept 18.
From January 2024 to March 2025, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized $41 million worth of vapes
On July 29, 2,400 units of vapes and components
On June 27, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Woodlands Checkpoint thwarted two attempts to smuggle vape products into Singapore in two Malaysian-registered cars.
More than 5,900 e-vaporisers
On July 8, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint scanned a bus and found more than 3,800 e-vaporisers and components concealed in the luggage compartment.
The cases have been referred to the HSA.
The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch by calling 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.
Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.
Etomidate is classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act. It has clinical use as an anaesthetic, permitted only in clinical settings and under strict conditions.
Experts told ST that etomidate has been known to cause a type of muscle spasm called myoclonus, which patients may describe as tremors.
Symptoms of etomidate overdose include unsteadiness, sluggishness and mental confusion.
If you need help to quit vaping, you can join the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.
If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg
