Twelve suspects aged 25 to 35 arrested in coordinated raids across multiple locations, marking one of Singapore’s largest vape crackdowns to date.
Singapore police have busted a major e-vaporiser syndicate operating across the island, arresting 12 people and seizing more than 64,000 vape devices and components worth over S$560,000. The coordinated raids expose a sophisticated operation importing vapes from Malaysia and distributing them locally despite the country’s strict ban.
Syndicate Members Caught at Ang Mo Kio Carpark
On October 16, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department, and Special Operations Command launched an operation at a carpark near Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5.
There, 11 men and one woman, aged between 25 and 35, were caught allegedly distributing e-vaporisers believed to be part of a larger smuggling and sales network.
Authorities believe the group was coordinating the importation and distribution of vapes from Malaysia into Singapore, supplying illegal products to residents through underground channels.
Raids Uncover Massive Vape Stash
Following the arrests, joint raids were carried out at Upper Jurong Road, Canberra Drive, and Jalan Senudok, including two facilities allegedly used as storage sites for the syndicate’s illegal goods.
More than 64,000 e-vaporisers and components were seized, alongside S$16,000 in cash, eight vehicles, and electronic devices such as phones and SIM cards used for coordination.
Authorities estimate the total street value of the seized items at over S$560,000, making it one of Singapore’s largest-ever vape seizures.
All 12 Suspects Charged in Court
The 12 suspects were charged in court on October 18.
- Four individuals face charges of conspiring to possess vapes for sale under Section 16(4)(a) of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sale) Act 1993, read with Section 109 of the Penal Code 1871.
- The remaining eight were charged with possession of vapes for sale under the same Act.
Under Singapore law, anyone convicted of importing, selling, or distributing vapes may face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.
Repeat offenders risk 12 months’ imprisonment and fines of up to S$20,000.
Coordinated Action Against the Illegal Vape Trade
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said the operation demonstrates their continued vigilance and coordination in combating the illegal tobacco and vaping trade.
“The authorities will take firm action against anyone found importing, selling, or distributing prohibited tobacco products,” they said in a joint statement.
The crackdown comes amid increasing reports of underground vaping activities, despite Singapore’s nationwide ban on e-vaporisers. HSA has stepped up enforcement, warning that vapes and their components pose health risks and undermine the country’s strict anti-smoking policies.
Growing Concern Over Vape Smuggling Networks
This latest bust adds to a series of recent operations targeting smuggling rings operating between Malaysia and Singapore. Authorities believe the surge in illicit vape trade is driven by high demand and online resale activity, prompting enhanced border inspections and surveillance.
Singapore remains one of the world’s strictest jurisdictions on vaping, prohibiting not only sales and imports but also possession and use of e-vaporisers under enhanced penalties introduced in September 2025.
The dismantling of the Ang Mo Kio vape syndicate marks a major success in Singapore’s ongoing fight against illegal vaping. Beyond the arrests and massive seizures, the case reinforces Singapore’s firm stance on public health protection and the message that illegal tobacco activities — no matter how sophisticated — will not escape the law.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Vape Syndicate, Singapore Police, Illegal Vapes, HSA, Tobacco Act, Ang Mo Kio Arrests
