Over 18,000 health products seized, including vapes and sexual enhancement capsules made with illegal equipment

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has uncovered the country’s first known case of illegal sex drug manufacturing inside a public housing flat, seizing over 18,000 illicit items in a raid at Beo Crescent.

On March 21, the HSA conducted a raid at a Housing Board flat in Beo Crescent, Tiong Bahru, following a tip-off. The unit was suspected of being used to illegally manufacture and store unlicensed health products, including prescription sexual enhancement supplements and e-vaporisers. The operation revealed over 18,000 units of illegal health items and vape-related components.

Among the items confiscated were machines used for producing capsules, including a blister pack sealing machine, a capsule filling machine, and packaging materials such as empty gelatin capsules, bottles, containers, and printed product labels. These tools were believed to be used to manufacture sex drugs without quality control or licensing, posing significant health risks to unsuspecting users.

Estimated Street Value Exceeds S$51,000

The total seizure value was estimated at over S$51,000, reflecting both the volume and potential market demand for these illegally distributed products. The raid also uncovered 30 vapes and assorted vape parts, a violation of Singapore’s strict regulations against the sale and import of e-vaporisers.

Suspect Assisting in Ongoing Probe

A 36-year-old man is currently assisting HSA with investigations. He is suspected of manufacturing and supplying the illegal sexual enhancement products, and for the sale of prohibited e-vaporisers. If convicted, he could face up to two years in jail and/or a fine of S$50,000 under Singapore’s health product regulations.

First Case of Its Kind in Singapore

This case marks the first time Singapore authorities have confirmed illegal drug manufacturing activity of this nature inside a residential flat. HSA’s Director of Enforcement Annie Tan warned of the risks involved: “There is no knowing what the capsules contain, and the consequences would have been dire should this illegal facility not have been shut down.”

Although there is no current evidence of these products being sold online, HSA has alerted major e-commerce and social platforms to prevent listings. In 2024 alone, more than 7,300 online listings of illegal health products were taken down—part of ongoing digital enforcement efforts that began with over 12,000 takedowns in 2023.

Severe Penalties for Vape Offences

Under Singapore law, those convicted of selling, importing, or distributing e-vaporisers face fines of up to S$10,000 or six months in jail for a first offence. Repeat offenders risk even harsher penalties. This raid underscores the government’s unwavering stance on unauthorized health products and unregulated devices that could endanger public health.

The Beo Crescent raid is a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated health products and the hidden risks within seemingly ordinary residential spaces. As authorities intensify enforcement both on the ground and online, Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach continues to protect consumers from hazardous, illegal health items.

Sources: Mothership (2025), The Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: HSA Raid, Beo Crescent Flat, Sexual Enhancement Drugs, Illegal Manufacturing Singapore, Vape Crackdown