In an unusual turn of events, a Singaporean man’s report of a warehouse break-in led to his own arrest and subsequent fine for the illegal sale and advertising of e-vaporisers and related products. Lim Zhi Wei, a 38-year-old, faced the consequences of his unlawful activities when police investigations into his break-in report revealed a stash of prohibited items.
The Break-In that Backfired
Lim initially reported a break-in at his warehouse, claiming that IT gadgets had been stolen. However, police investigations unveiled the true nature of the stolen items – e-cigarette devices and related components. This discovery resulted in the involvement of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), leading to Lim’s arrest on May 13, 2022.
The Scale of Illegal Operations
Authorities seized a substantial quantity of e-vaporisers and associated items from the warehouse and Lim’s residence, including over 60,000 pods and hundreds of vaporiser box sets. Additionally, prohibited items were found in a rental car used by Lim.
Confessions and Admissions
Lim confessed to his role in packing, selling, and delivering these illegal products across Singapore. He was involved in advertising these products through WhatsApp chats and had connections with other individuals identified as Jason and William, who were purportedly part of the operation. Lim was compensated S$10 for every parcel delivered and S$1 for each parcel packed, amounting to a total earning of S$2,000 to S$3,000 over two months.
Specific Transactions Uncovered
Investigations further revealed specific transactions conducted by Lim, including the sale of assorted flavoured pods and “root beer” flavoured pods to various buyers, with payments made via PayLah. One such transaction involved the sale of grape-flavoured pods for S$300, delivered to a buyer’s maid.
Legal Repercussions
Lim was fined S$8,500 (US$6,360) for his offenses under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, with a default jail term of 17 days if unable to pay the fine. The act stipulates a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both for first-time offenders, with repeat offenders facing double the penalties.
Conclusion
This case highlights the vigilance of Singaporean authorities in combating the illegal trade of e-vaporisers and related products. It also serves as a cautionary tale for those involved in or considering participation in such illicit activities.
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