Singapore Man Sentenced for Vape Sales,Katana Threat,and Car Theft
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A Singaporean man has been sentenced to jail and fined after a four-year spree of offenses involving illegal vape sales,threatening his mother with a katana – a customary Japanese sword – and driving offenses committed while his license was suspended. Soon Yong Chao,28,received a sentence of three months and 28 weeks in jail,along with a $4,600 fine,on January 22,after pleading guilty to six charges. An additional 11 charges were considered during sentencing.
Escalating Conflict and Weapon Threat
The incident involving the katana occurred on February 22, 2025, following a dispute with his 57-year-old mother, identified in court documents as “Chiang,” over a car installment payment. When his mother refused to assist and suggested selling the vehicle, Soon became enraged. He initially responded by pouring water from the second story of their home onto the first floor. After being told to stop, Soon retrieved a katana with a 30cm blade and confronted his mother, reportedly asking, “What you want now?” His parents promptly filed a police report, leading to his arrest.
Extensive illegal Vape Operation
Court records reveal that Soon began selling e-cigarettes in January 2021. On March 18, 2021, authorities received a tip-off from a warehouse operator regarding a large shipment of vaping products awaiting collection. A controlled delivery was orchestrated, and a subsequent search of a unit rented by Soon uncovered a substantial cache of illegal goods: 1,153 e-cigarette vaporizers and 16,299 e-cigarette pods. Soon confessed to selling the items for profit, estimating monthly earnings between $5,000 and $8,000.
Reckless Driving and Further Offenses
The offenses continued into 2025. On March 30, 2025, Soon unlawfully took his mother’s car keys and drove the vehicle despite a suspended license – a suspension in effect from March 25, 2025, to September 8, 2025. He picked up a friend in Queensway for supper and then drove aimlessly. At approximately 5:30 a.m., police received reports of a car driving erratically near Tuas Checkpoint. Officers intercepted soon along Boon Lay Way, leading to his arrest.
Prosecution and Sentencing Remarks
Deputy Public Prosecutor Melissa Heng advocated for a sentence of four months and six to eight weeks’ jail, alongside a fine and a 12-month disqualification from obtaining a driver’s license. District Judge Lim Tse Haw, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the prolonged duration of Soon’s criminal activity – spanning over four years – and described the quantity of e-cigarette pods discovered as a “staggering amount.”
The case highlights the severity with which Singaporean authorities are addressing both illegal trade and violent behavior, as well as driving offenses.
