In the past, hunted animals often undergone taxidermy to become “stuffed” animals in exhibition of the hunters’ prowess. Now, they have evolved into soft, cuddly creatures and are very well-received by both children and adults. To the two 23 year-old female Malaysians who cleared through Woodlands Checkpoint in the wee hours this morning, they must have hugged their “stuffed” toys with apprehension

2 On 7 July 2008 at about 0248hrs, officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stopped a light green Malaysia-registered car for routine checks. The driver and the other passenger in the car were 2 female Malaysians who are residing and working in Singapore.
3 In the course of checks, one of the sharp-eyed officers noticed two soft toys and a pillow on the rear passenger seat. He felt something amiss when he checked one of the soft toys and observed that it was not as soft and cuddly such as soft toys should be. Upon further checks, the officer and his colleagues uncovered four bundles wrapped with black tape and newspaper.

 

Photo 1: An “innocent-looking” soft toy



Photo 2: An unusual looking bundle

4 A total of 1,400 ‘Erimin 5’ tablets, three sachets containing about 150 grams of ‘Ketamine’ and two sachets of about 30 grams of ‘ICE’ were found. Both subjects denied ownership of the controlled drugs.



Photo 3: Bundles of suspected controlled drugs seized

5 The case has been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for investigations. If convicted, the duo will face a minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment each.

6 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. 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.

7 ICA will put in every effort and continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. We seek your continued understanding and cooperation, and would like to advise against smuggling unlawful goods into Singapore.


END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
7 July 2008