Singapore authorities intercepted a major smuggling attempt on 20 November when a 31-year-old Malaysian man tried to bring duty-unpaid cigarettes into the country via Woodlands Checkpoint.
In a Facebook update on 5 December, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) revealed that officers had singled out a Malaysia-registered motorcycle for detailed inspection. The search uncovered 570 packets of contraband cigarettes hidden in multiple compartments of the bike.
The rider was arrested and handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Over 300 cartons found in modified car
Just a few days later, ICA officers intercepted another major haul at Woodlands Checkpoint. On 29 November, its Integrated Targeting Centre flagged a Malaysia-registered car for enhanced checks.
A thorough search revealed more than 300 cartons, amounting to 1,500 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in various modified compartments of the vehicle. The case was similarly referred to Singapore Customs for investigation.
Under the Customs Act and Goods and Services Tax Act, dealing in duty-unpaid goods is a serious offence. Convicted offenders face fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded, imprisonment of up to six years, or both. Vehicles used in such crimes and proceeds from illegal sales can also be forfeited.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Also read: 19yo M’sian Caught Trying to Smuggle 9kg of Cannabis Worth RM4.7 Million at Macau Airport
