When the curtain comes down, it usually signifies the end of a performance.  One immigration offender faced her ‘curtain call’ when the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers thwarted her attempt to depart Singapore illegally by hiding behind a curtain.

 

2.          On 13 August 2013 at about 12.20pm, ICA officers directed a departing Malaysia-registered lorry for checks at the cargo zone of Tuas Checkpoint. The lorry was driven by a lone male driver. In the course of the officers’ checks, they noticed that the driver’s cabin was partitioned by a curtain. As soon as they drew the curtain , they saw a lady curled up within the cramped space.

 

The curtain behind the driver’s seat

Immigration offender hiding behind the curtain

 

3.         The 54-year-old Malaysian driver and the 29-year-old female Sri Lankan were immediately placed under arrest. They are currently under investigation for immigration offences.  The vehicle used in the commission of the offences has been detained and is liable for forfeiture.  The ICA takes a serious view of attempts to overstay, enter or depart Singapore illegally. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), the penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while the penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

 

4.          Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The security checks are critical to our nation’s security.  We 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

14 AUGUST 2013