ICA seizes over 5,400 vaporisers in 50 cases at Singapore checkpoints in four days

SINGAPORE: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) detected 50 cases of travellers carrying vaporisers between October 26 and 29, 2026, seizing more than 5,476 vaporisers and related components.

About 68% of the cases involved short-term visitors, while 32% involved Singapore residents, including citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders.

Changi Terminal 4 haul

The bulk of the seizure came from a single incident. On Oct 26, ICA officers at Changi Airport Terminal 4 profiled four arriving foreigners for further checks and found 5,272 vaporisers and related components in their luggage.

All four have been referred to the Health Sciences Authority and will face higher penalties under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA).

Tougher consequences for foreigners

ICA said it is stepping up checks at air, land and sea checkpoints as part of a whole-of-government push against vaporisers.

Vaping is illegal in Singapore, and the authority reminded foreigners that they must abide by local laws. Anyone caught possessing, using or buying vaporisers faces higher penalties under the TVCA.

Short-term visitors who reoffend will be banned from re-entering Singapore. Long-term pass holders who reoffend may have their passes revoked on a third offence, and be deported and banned from returning.

The figures come amid a steady stream of vaporiser seizures at Singapore’s land checkpoints, including more than 12,600 vaporisers found in a lorry at Tuas and 1,600 hidden under a car bonnet at Woodlands in recent weeks.

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