An Indonesian boatman who attempted to smuggle 3 female illegal immigrants into Singapore early this morning found out the hard way that Singapore's border security was not to be trifled with as all 4 were arrested in a joint operation by the Police Coast Guard (PCG) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

 

2                On 1 Oct 2010 at 0020hrs, a vigilant PCG surveillance operator detected a suspicious craft at sea opposite Senoko Power Station in Malaysia's waters. Five minutes later at 0025hrs, the craft was observed to be speeding towards Singapore. In less than a minute, the craft, a speedboat, reached the Senoko shore and was seen off-loading 3 subjects.    This was carried out within seconds.   When the drop was completed, the speedboat immediately made a quick turn and attempted to speed back to Malaysia waters.    Their attempt was, however, thwarted by PCG's Special Task Squadron (STS). Upon seeing the speedboat's attempt to speed off, 2 STS interceptor boats commenced pursuit.  Despite repeated warnings to stop, the boatman made dangerous manoeuvres in a zig-zag to shake off STS’ pursuit.  With skillful manoeurvres and determination, the STS officers successfully intercepted the boat within 2 minutes.   The boatman, a 34-year-old Indonesian national, was placed under arrest and the boat seized.

 

3                Back on the mainland, PCG and ICA land resources also successfully rounded up the 3 subjects who had landed.  The 3 subjects were found to be 3 PRC women, aged between 32 and 41 years old.  They were found without any valid travel documents.

 

4                The boatman and the 3 PRC women will be charged in court on 2 Oct 2010 for Unlawful Entry into Singapore under section 6(1)(c) Cap 133 of the Immigration Act. The boatman will also face 3 additional charges for engaging in the business or trade of conveying prohibited immigrants.

 

5          Commander of Police Coast Guard, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Teo Kian Teck, said that "PCG is committed to keeping our waters safe. Any intrusion will be dealt with firmly and resolutely by our operational forces as shown in this case. We will remain vigilant against those who determine to breach our maritime and coastal security." 

 

6          The Home Team takes a serious view of attempts by foreigners who overstay or enter 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 three strokes of the cane.  In cases where caning cannot be administered (for example women and the aged), the offender will be fined up to $6,000.  The penalty for conveying illegal immigrants in or out of Singapore is a jail term of two to five years, plus a minimum three strokes of the cane.  The Home Team will not relent in its efforts to ferret out undesirable persons and to stamp out any attempts by smuggling syndicates.

 

 

SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

IMMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

1 OCT 2010