14 suspected members of vape syndicate to be charged under Organised Crime Act
Fourteen people believed to be part of a large-scale e-vaporiser syndicate that smuggled and sold vapes in Singapore will be charged in court under the Organised Crime Act, said the police in an Oct 29 statement.
Following the earlier dismantling of a 12-member syndicate on Oct 16, two additional suspects - men aged 29 and 37 - were arrested between Oct 19 and 23.
The group allegedly imported e-vaporisers from Malaysia and distributed them locally. The 29-year-old suspect reportedly acted as a warehouse manager while the 37-year-old was an area distributor.
Cash amounting to more than $16,000, electronic devices like mobile phones and SIM cards, as well as eight cars were also seized by the police. The cars were believed to be used in the distribution of the e-vaporisers.
All 14 were previously charged in court under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act and are currently remanded to assist with police investigations.
On Oct 30, 13 of theml each face an additional charge for being members of an organised criminal group when they return to courtand 31.
They were Teo Jin Rui, 28; Adrian Chia Hong Qing, 32; Ng Tai Lun, 27; Tiffany Lim Hui Ping, 29; Kenneth Tan Hong Chang, 30; Cheong Tian Lin, 25; Tan Boon Hao, 30; Roy Tan Jun Jie, 33; Tan Yi Tan, 35; Nigel Khing Yao Zhi, 27; Feelix Teo Wang Chye, 29; Wong Ee Wei, 28; and Iu Bing Yuan, 37.
If convicted, they will face up to five years' jail, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Teo Jin Rui, Tiffany Lim and Kenneth Tan were also charged with allegedly allowing premises occupied by them to support the syndicate's vape distribution operations - an offence that carries a penalty of up to $250,000 in fines, up to five years' jail, or both.
The 14th alleged member of the vape syndicate, Tey Ler Wei, 29, had previously been charged on Oct 25 with engaging in a conspiracy with four others to possess more than 12,300 vapes for the purposes of selling them.
The police remind the public that under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, it is illegal to import, sell or distribute e-vaporisers in Singapore.
First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000, jailed six months, or both. For the second or subsequent offencer, offenders face double the penalties - a fine of up to $20,000, or jail term of up to 12 months or both.
