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23,500 Bottles of Vodka Falsely Declared as Fruit Juice Detected
On 4 Jun 2003 at about 1000 hours, a 20-foot container was diverted to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Tanjong Pagar Scanning Station for radiographic scanning by the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). Upon analysis of the image taken of the container, ICA officers found that the content was atypical of fruit drinks. Officers then decided to conduct a thorough check of the container. Upon physical check, the contents were confirmed to be Vodka.
2 Based on the shipping documents, there were about 23,520 bottles of Vodka (0.45litres each) in the container. The market value is estimated to be about $700,000. The amount of Customs duty and GST payable is about $317,000 and $28,000 respectively.
3 The case will be handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation. As another similar container was suspected to be involved, ICA officers have alerted Singapore Customs to take follow up action. If found guilty, the offender could be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of custom duties and GST involved.
4 ICA has stepped up security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent the entry of undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband goods. We would like to advise the public against importation of unlawful goods into Singapore. "This case is an excellent example of how ICA officers have enhanced their analysis and profiling skills in detecting contraband with the help of radiographic technology." said Mr Foo Sack Jee, Commander, Ports Command.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4 Jun 2003
2 Based on the shipping documents, there were about 23,520 bottles of Vodka (0.45litres each) in the container. The market value is estimated to be about $700,000. The amount of Customs duty and GST payable is about $317,000 and $28,000 respectively.
3 The case will be handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation. As another similar container was suspected to be involved, ICA officers have alerted Singapore Customs to take follow up action. If found guilty, the offender could be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of custom duties and GST involved.
4 ICA has stepped up security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent the entry of undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband goods. We would like to advise the public against importation of unlawful goods into Singapore. "This case is an excellent example of how ICA officers have enhanced their analysis and profiling skills in detecting contraband with the help of radiographic technology." said Mr Foo Sack Jee, Commander, Ports Command.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4 Jun 2003