Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The security checks are critical to our nation’s security. Within the span of three days, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Land Domain foiled multiple attempts of illegal smuggling of contraband cigarettes through the land checkpoints.

 

2.         From 26 to 28 May 2015, ICA officers at the land checkpoints uncovered a total of 1,984 cartons and 2,395 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed in modified compartments of four arriving Malaysia-registered vehicles during routine checks. The potential duty and GST for the duty-unpaid cigarettes for the four cases amounted to about S$174,860 and S$16,600.

 

Contraband cigarettes uncovered from modified compartments of multi-purpose vehicles

3.         In the three days, officers from Tuas Checkpoint uncovered duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed in modified compartments of three arriving Malaysia-registered multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). In the first case which happened on 26 May, the cigarettes were concealed in the modified floorboard of the MPV driven by a 23-year-old male Malaysian who was accompanied by three female Malaysian passengers. On 27 May, the cigarettes were concealed in the modified fuel tank of the MPV driven by a 26-year-old lone male Malaysian. Lastly, on 28 May, the cigarettes were concealed in the front bumper as well as modified compartments of the dashboard, floorboard and panels of the MPV driven by a 29-year-old female Malaysian, who was accompanied by two other female Malaysian passengers. Please refer to Annex A for photos.

Contraband cigarettes uncovered from modified floorboard of bus

4.         Similar method of concealment was also observed by ICA officers at the Woodlands Checkpoint on arriving vehicles. On 26 May, ICA officers uncovered duty-unpaid cigarettes in the modified floorboard of an empty Malaysia-registered bus, driven by a 36-year-old male Malaysian.

                                                                                                

5.         The drivers, passengers, exhibits and vehicles for all cases were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations. The vehicles used in the commission of such offences are liable to be forfeited.  Investigations are ongoing.

 

6.           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.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

29 May 2015

 

Annex A

1) Contraband cigarettes uncovered from modified compartments of multi-purpose vehicles (MPV)

 
Contraband cigarettes hidden in modified floorboard of MPV

 


Contraband cigarettes hidden in modified fuel tank of MPV

 


Contraband cigarettes hidden in the modified dashboard, rear panel and bumper of the MPV

2) Contraband cigarettes uncovered from modified floorboard of bus

 
Contraband cigarettes hidden in the modified floorboard of bus