The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Tuas checkpoint foiled two attempts of illegal smuggling of contraband cigarettes and chewing tobacco, concealed in modified compartments of the vehicles. The same method of concealment used by contraband smugglers may be used by terrorists to smuggle arms and explosives to carry out attacks in Singapore.

Case 1: 2,750 cartons of contraband cigarettes detected

2.         On 24 October 2015 at about 5am, a Malaysia-registered bus driven by a 30-year-old male Malaysian was directed for further checks upon arrival at Tuas checkpoint. During the course of inspection, officers found contraband cigarettes in a modified compartment underneath the vehicle.  Upon further checks, more contraband cigarettes were found hidden underneath the rear passenger seats, modified air-conditioner ducts and at the modified baggage compartment. A total of 2,750 cartons of contraband cigarettes were uncovered in the bus.

Contraband cigarettes seized from the bus

 Case 2: 581 cartons and 6 packets of contraband cigarettes and 25,178 sachets (226.6kg) of chewing tobacco detected

3.        The next day, on 25 October 2015 at about 4pm, a Malaysia-registered bus driven by a 38-year-old male Malaysian was directed for routine checks upon arrive at Tuas checkpoint. During the course of inspection, the officers noticed modifications inside the bus, revealing packets of cigarettes. A more detailed check by the officers uncovered more contraband cigarettes and chewing tobacco hidden inside the air-conditioning ducts and speakers. A total of 581 cartons and 6 packets of contraband cigarettes and 25,178 sachets (226.6kg) of chewing tobacco were found in the bus.
 

  

(Left: Contraband cigarettes found in modified aircon duct and cabin speaker)

4.         A total of 3,331 cartons and 6 packets of contraband cigarettes and 25,178 sachets (226.6kg) of chewing tobacco were seized from the two cases. The total duty as well as Goods and Services Tax evaded exceeded S$326,280 and S$29,410 respectively. The drivers, contraband items and vehicles for both cases were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations. The vehicles used in the commission of such offences are liable to be forfeited.  The 30-year-old male Malaysian involved in the first case was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment on 26 Oct 2015 while investigations are ongoing for the second case.

5.          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.  

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

27 October 2015