Over 1 million illegal items confiscated despite sharper enforcement and tech monitoring
Singapore authorities seized a record number of illegal health products in 2025, even as stricter enforcement helped reduce online sales listings.
Seizures Hit New High
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) confiscated more than 1.06 million units of illegal health products in 2025, marking a 10 per cent increase from the previous year. The seized items were estimated to be worth over $750,000 on the street.
Cough syrups made up the majority of the confiscated goods, followed by sexual enhancement drugs and sedatives or painkillers, highlighting ongoing risks in commonly abused product categories.
Online Listings See Sharp Decline
Despite the rise in seizures, the number of online listings for illegal health products dropped significantly to 2,358 in 2025. This is a steep fall from 12,474 listings in 2023 and 7,190 in 2024.
Authorities attributed this decline to enhanced surveillance measures, including the use of automated bots and closer monitoring of digital platforms.
E-commerce Platforms Under Scrutiny
Illegal products were primarily sold through major e-commerce and social media platforms, with Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok recording the highest number of listings. HSA continues to work closely with these platforms to remove harmful content.
In 2025 alone, 1,372 warnings were issued to sellers, reinforcing enforcement efforts and deterring repeat violations.
Changing Trends in Product Listings
The types of illegal products being sold online have shifted over time. While sexual enhancement drugs previously dominated listings, their presence has dropped sharply to just 2 per cent in 2025.
Instead, items such as hair and skin products, diagnostic kits, and medical devices like contact lenses have become more prominent in illegal listings.
Enforcement and Public Responsibility
Authorities prosecuted 18 individuals in 2025 for offences related to illegal health products, including a landmark case involving the sale of etomidate powder that resulted in an 11-month jail sentence.
HSA emphasised that public vigilance remains crucial, urging consumers to avoid purchasing from unauthorised sources due to potential health risks and legal consequences.
While enforcement efforts are curbing online sales, the rise in seizures underscores the persistent threat of illegal health products, requiring continued vigilance from both authorities and consumers.
Sources: Asia One (2026)
Keywords: HSA Seizures 2025, Illegal Health Products SG, Online Scam Products, Singapore Enforcement, Consumer Health Safety
