Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers intercepted over 1,100 vapes that were hidden in a Malaysia-registered car at Woodlands Checkpoint, according to a Facebook post on Friday (Sept 19).

Search and examination officers had directed the vehicle for enhanced checks on Wednesday (Sept 17), where they discovered 1,169 vapes concealed within the modified seats, foiling their attempt to smuggle the devices into Singapore.

In a video taken by ICA, officers can be seen pulling out multiple packages of vapes sealed in transparent plastic bags out of a pocket behind the car’s backseat, collecting them in a container before bringing them away.

A separate video shows an officer demonstrating how the backseat could be shifted forwards to reveal the vapes hidden within.

The case was subsequently referred to the Health Sciences Authority(HSA) for further investigation.

Just two days before, ICA had intercepted over 18,400 vapes and more than 1,400 related components in a single smuggling attempt at Tuas Checkpoint.

They had stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry supposed to be carrying “components for motorised external roll-up blinds” and searched the vehicle, uncovering the largest haul of smuggled vapes at a land checkpoint since stronger penalties for vape-related offences came into effect on Sept 1.

A Malaysian man was arrested in connection with the case, and evidence as well as the suspect were referred to HSA.

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khooyihang@asiaone.com