Since 26 May 2003, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officers at the Ports Command have been monitoring the arriving of two containers on board the vessel M/V Iran Tehran. Based on information obtained from our intelligence sources, the containers were suspected to contain counterfeit goods.

2 On 2 Jun 2003 at about 0200 hours, the two 20" footer containers suspected to contain counterfeit goods were discharged from the vessel and diverted to Tanjong Pagar Scanning Station for radiographic scanning by our Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) to validate against the cargoes declared. A manual check was then conducted in the presence of officers from Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department and representatives of the trademark owner. 48,000 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes, with estimated street value of S$3.7 million, were found. Police are investigating the case.

3 Stepped-up security checks at the checkpoints will continue to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband. ICA would like to advise the public against the smuggling of contraband goods into Singapore. The latest intelligence-led detection is a fine example of ICA's strong intelligence resources and capability.

4 Persons found guilty for importation of counterfeit goods for the purpose of trade or manufacture will be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each good to which the trademark is falsely applied or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.

END OF NEWS RELEASE

Joint News Release by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority & Singapore Police Force
2 JUN 2003