Singaporean authorities detected 59 large-scale cross-border vape smuggling cases last year, resulting in the seizure of approximately 230,000 vapes and related products. The information was shared by Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam on Tuesday (Feb 3) during a parliamentary session.
Combating Illegal Vape Trade
The detection of these cases was made possible through intelligence sharing with international counterparts, according to Ms. Rahayu. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Narcotics Bureau, and Singapore Police Force are all involved in this collaborative effort.
The Health Ministry’s efforts to disrupt vape supply chains extend to online platforms. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) works directly with e-commerce sites, social media platforms, and messaging apps to remove listings for vapes.
Online Enforcement
Beyond removal of listings, the HSA collaborates with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Online Criminal Harms Act Office to block websites specifically targeting local consumers. Over 10,000 online advertisements were removed in 2024 and 2025.
Ms. Rahayu indicated that approximately 99 per cent of the websites taken down were linked to overseas postings on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat, YouTube, and Telegram. A small percentage originated from local platforms such as Carousell and Lazada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are authorities addressing cross-border vape smuggling?
Authorities are utilizing intelligence sharing with foreign counterparts, conducting joint operations, and working with online platforms to remove listings and block websites.
How many online advertisements were removed?
Over 10,000 online advertisements, including those on messaging platforms, were removed in 2024 and 2025.
Where are most of the illegal vape listings originating?
Approximately 99 per cent of the sites taken down were linked to overseas posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat, YouTube and Telegram.
Moving forward, authorities may continue to refine their strategies for identifying and disrupting both physical and online smuggling networks. Increased collaboration with international partners is likely to remain a key component of these efforts, as is ongoing engagement with digital platforms to address evolving tactics used by those seeking to circumvent regulations.
