On 3 January 2018, two cases involving the importation of suspected counterfeit items were detected at the land checkpoints.

Case 1: Suspected counterfeit headsets detected at Tuas checkpoint

2.       At about 10am, officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) directed an arriving Malaysia-registered car, driven by a 33-year-old Malaysian man for further checks at the Tuas checkpoint. There were two other passengers in the car.

3.       During the course of checks, the man told the officers that he had to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) for his earphones, speakers and headsets of assorted brands. At the Tax Payment office, a Singapore Customs officer noticed that the declared amount for the earphones, speakers and headsets, ranging from RM 3 to 18, were too low in value. Suspecting that the man could be importing counterfeit items for commercial purposes, the case was referred to the Police for investigation. The man was subsequently arrested for offences under the Trade Marks Act. A follow-up operation by the Police led to the seizure of more than 70 pieces of items, suspected to be counterfeit. The estimated street value of the items was approximately $800. Police investigation is ongoing.

Suspected counterfeit headsets of assorted brands seized at Tuas checkpoint (Photo: ICA)

Case 2: Suspected counterfeit goods seized at Woodlands checkpoint

4.       At about 6.50pm, a checkpoint officer directed an arriving Malaysia-registered car for further checks at the Woodlands checkpoint. There were six persons in the car.

5.       Upon further inspection, the checkpoint officer found several bags in the car boot. The bags contained multiple items wrapped in transparent plastic, suspected to be counterfeit goods. The case was referred to the Police for investigation. A 62-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman, both Singaporeans, were arrested for offences under the Trade Marks Act. A follow-up raid by the Police at their residence led to the seizure of more than 110 pieces of items, suspected to be counterfeit. The estimated value of the items was approximately $1,800. Police investigation is ongoing.

 

Suspected counterfeit goods detected at Woodlands checkpoint (Photo: ICA)

6.       Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security. The security checks are critical to our nation’s security. The ICA will continue to conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. The same methods of concealment used by contraband smugglers may be used by terrorists to smuggle arms and explosives to carry out attacks in Singapore.

7.       The Police take a serious view against intellectual property right (IPR) infringements and will not hesitate to take action against perpetrators who showed blatant disregard for our IPR laws. Persons found guilty of importing, possessing or distributing goods with falsely applied trade mark for the purpose of trade may be fined up to a maximum of $100,000, or an imprisonment term which may extend to five years, or both.

 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 JANUARY 2018