Grab driver claims vapes in car were left by passengers, appeals against $500 fine 4 times
A Grab driver failed in his appeal against a $500 fine for vapes that he claimed were not his but left behind by passengers.
Stomper D shared the June 23 letter of appeal he wrote to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
He was issued a composition notice for the possession of two e-vaporisers he found in his vehicle after returning from Bangkok in June.
"While cleaning my Honda Freed on June 12 before the trip, I discovered two vaporisers - one in the back row cup holder and another on the middle row floor," recounted the Stomper.
"As a non-smoker, I was unsure how to properly dispose of these items. I placed them temporarily in my driver-side door pocket as a reminder to read up on the correct procedure after my trip.
"Unfortunately, I completely forgot about them after returning to Singapore on June 15.
"On the early morning of June 16 at around 2.20am, while driving home, I encountered a police roadblock along Old Jurong Road and the items were found in full view.
"I would also like to mention that the officer did not ask if I had anything to declare. Had I been asked, I believe I would have recalled and voluntarily surrendered them."
The driver insisted he had no intention to use, hide or distribute the vapes.
"I am a non-smoker and a father to a seven-month-old daughter. I would never bring anything harmful near my child," he said.
"This was an honest mistake, with no malicious intent."
The Stomper wrote four letters of appeal to HSA.
In an Aug 6 reply to his second letter, HSA said: "This is to remind you that should you discover an e-vaporiser left behind by your passenger, you are required to promptly file an incident report with your company through established communication channels.
"Thereafter, the e-vaporiser must be surrendered at the nearest police post.
"This advisory was issued in 2024 for dissemination to drivers through all taxi and private hire vehicle operators."
On Sept 11, the Stomper wrote his final letter of appeal, this time also copying it to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Law and Ministry of Home Affairs.
He wrote: "This is now my fourth formal appeal, submitted with all possible evidence - including escalation through my Member of Parliament, Mr Lee Hong Chuang, who has also forwarded the matter to both HSA and MOH.
"Despite my full cooperation, I feel increasingly as though I am being forced into admitting guilt by being left with no option other than paying the fine, even though I have clearly shown that these items were not mine and that there was no intent to use or conceal them."
He recounted the events on June 16 again.
"At the roadblock, I voluntarily surrendered the items to the police officer and explained that, as a Grab driver, they were most likely left behind by passengers," said the Stomper.
"The officer acknowledged this but stated that all vape-related cases would be referred to HSA regardless of circumstances."
The driver added: "The items were not hidden, but left in the open - an oversight, not an offence of intent.
"At that time, there were no public disposal points or official channels available, unlike the disposal bins HSA has only recently introduced. This gap in guidance is precisely why I retained the items while intending to find the correct way to dispose of them.
"Paying the $500 composition fine is a heavy financial burden on my family as I am preparing for my new flat and supporting a newborn. More importantly, it feels like I am being forced to accept guilt for something I did not do intentionally."
The final payment deadline was Sept 30.
He told Stomp: "I was cornered and pressured to pay despite handing in all evidence."
The Stomper also asked: "If a member of the public finds such items again, what is the proper and lawful way to report or dispose of them?"
From July 25, bins were placed around the island for the disposal of vapes.
It was a little too late for the Stomper.
