The school holidays are here. Most of us would have planned for a weekend getaway to spend time with families and friends, and hope that the plans go smoothly. One illegal weekend ‘getaway’ was thwarted by the vigilant Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers keeping a close watch at the checkpoints.  

 

2.         On 23 March 2013 at about 4.30pm, ICA officers at the Woodlands Checkpoint directed a departing Malaysia-registered saloon car for a thorough check. The lone Malaysian male driver appeared nervous and he was asked to step out of the car as our officers examined his vehicle.  When the car boot was opened, our officers found a man crouching and sweating profusely inside.

 

   

 

A man found crouching in the car boot

3.         The 31-year-old driver and the 39-year-old Chinese national were immediately placed under arrest.  They are currently under investigation for the offences.  The vehicle used in the commission of the offences has been detained and is liable for forfeiture. 

 

4.         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.

 

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

24 MARCH 2013