Malaysian man jailed after drug-related arrest while surveilling seized illegal vape warehouse in Singapore
A bold attempt to reclaim millions worth of seized illegal vapes ended in failure when a Malaysian man scouting a Singapore warehouse was caught red-handed—along with drugs in his car. His arrest unraveled a larger plot involving smuggling, obstruction of justice, and a dramatic lorry escape to Malaysia.
Caught Scouting Seized Vape Warehouse
A Malaysian national, Chee Wai Yuen, 36, was sentenced on July 7 to one year, one month, and six weeks’ jail in Singapore for his role in a foiled plan to recover S$6.5 million (US$4.7 million) worth of seized illegal electronic vaporisers. The stash—comprising at least 189,010 e-vapes and 351,223 components—was held as evidence by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Chee had been recruited by fellow Malaysian Chua Wee Ming in March 2024 to monitor a restricted warehouse where HSA stored the contraband. The goal: assess whether HSA personnel were guarding the unit so that an eventual theft could be carried out. The location remains undisclosed under a court gag order.
Drugs Found, Escape Attempt Fails
On March 23, 2024, Chee drove to the facility around 10pm. After climbing up to the unit’s level, he was confronted by three HSA officers. Claiming he was at the wrong location, Chee attempted to leave. However, upon exiting the building, his car was stopped and searched—revealing ketamine and drug paraphernalia.
Urine tests later confirmed Chee had consumed methamphetamine and norketamine. He admitted to using drugs and was formally charged on March 28, before being released on court bail with his passport confiscated.
Smuggled in a Lorry, Tracked Down
Soon after, Chee contacted Chua, who had previously promised to help him escape if arrested. On April 5, Chee was picked up in Tuas by a yellow lorry driven by co-accused Thanesh Murugan. Hiding behind the driver’s seat, Chee was smuggled across the border into Malaysia—bypassing immigration controls.
A warrant of arrest was issued when Chee failed to appear in court in April. After six months on the run, he was arrested in Malaysia in October 2024 and extradited to Singapore, where he remained in remand until sentencing.
Serious Offences, But Limited Impact
Chee pleaded guilty to five charges, including drug possession, obstructing justice, and immigration violations. Four additional charges were taken into consideration. The prosecution sought a jail term of up to one year, two months, and eight weeks.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Xavier Tan noted that the case involved one of the largest seizures of illegal vapes in Singapore, making it a serious offence. However, he added that Chee’s role showed “low premeditation and sophistication,” and the surveillance ultimately failed to affect judicial proceedings, as no theft took place.
Broader Cross-Border Implications
The case highlights growing concerns over cross-border criminal coordination between Malaysia and Singapore, especially involving illegal goods and drug-linked offences. It underscores how swift action from Singapore authorities continues to thwart attempts to compromise law enforcement efforts.
Chua Wee Ming remains in custody, with a pre-trial conference set for July 31. His case could reveal deeper layers of the illegal vape trade in the region—worth millions and growing rapidly despite strict bans.
This case underscores the growing complexity of transnational crimes involving illicit vape distribution, drug use, and immigration violations. While Singapore’s strict enforcement and swift interagency coordination prevented the stolen goods from being compromised, the incident reveals how criminal networks can exploit cross-border ties. For both Singaporeans and Indonesians observing the region’s shifting regulatory landscape, it is a clear reminder of the escalating stakes in the fight against illegal trade and the importance of vigilant, coordinated law enforcement across Southeast Asia.
Sources: CNA (2025) , The New Paper (2025)
Keywords: Illegal Vape, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore Warehouse, Drug Offence, Lorry Escape, Chua Wee Ming
