There are various compartments in a car, such as glove compartment, central console and car boot. Ever wonder how a passenger managed to squeeze herself in a tiny compartment between the rear car seat and the car boot?

2.    On 2 October 2012 at about 3am, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers directed a departing Singapore-registered car for checks at the Woodlands Checkpoint. The lone male driver stepped out of his car and opened his car boot for checks. The boot was found to be empty except for two haversacks and a pair of ladies’ heels. However, our vigilant officers observed that the driver appeared nervous and proceeded with their checks of the vehicle. While checking the rear car seats, officers noticed a small gap between the back rest and the rear compartment of the car. Officers then pried open the gap and found a black piece of cloth behind the back rest. Once the cloth was lifted, they found a woman crouching in the small compartment. The driver and the immigration offender were immediately placed under arrest.

 
The black cloth did not deter our eagle-eyed officers from checks

3.    Both the 47-year-old male Malaysian driver and the 42-year-old PRC national are currently under investigation for the 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 by foreigners 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 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
2 OCTOBER 2012