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Yes, The Size of The Equipment Matters
Our officers took issue with the size of container when it did not measure up to expectations.
2. On 9 October 2007, at around 7.30am, a Malaysian-registered container truck arrived at Tuas Checkpoint for a routine check. When it was scanned by the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS), there were indications of a false compartment at the front of the container, just behind the driver. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers then decided to measure the container. The external measurement of the container was 12.19 metres (40 feet), whereas the interior of the container only measured to around 10.97 metres (36 feet).
3. Upon closer inspection, ICA officers noticed that there was a false wall in the interior of the container. When it was prised open, paper boxes containing duty-unpaid cigarettes were found.
4. A total of 4,900 cartons of cigarettes were found hidden on the container truck. The total market value is estimated to be around S$441,000, while the Customs duties and GST involved are estimated to be about S$345,000 and S$30,900 respectively.
5. When interviewed, the 26-year-old Malaysian driver told ICA officers that he was promised a sum of RM$80 if he had managed to smuggle the cigarettes into Singapore.
6. The case has been handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations.
About VACIS
7. The VACIS uses gamma rays and allows a large number of import and export containers to be screened effectively and efficiently for undesirable and illegitimate cargoes. With VACIS, ICA officers are able to “see” the contents of container swiftly without having to conduct a physical inspection of the container.
Penalties
8. Upon conviction by the court, first time offenders can be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of duty evaded. For second or subsequent convictions, offenders can be jailed for up to two years, as well as being fined. The offenders also face further fines based on the amount of GST evaded.
Security implications of smuggling
9. As our country's first line of defence against terrorist threats, ICA has a duty to ensure the security and safety of Singapore. 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 contraband. 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. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods into Singapore.
2. On 9 October 2007, at around 7.30am, a Malaysian-registered container truck arrived at Tuas Checkpoint for a routine check. When it was scanned by the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS), there were indications of a false compartment at the front of the container, just behind the driver. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers then decided to measure the container. The external measurement of the container was 12.19 metres (40 feet), whereas the interior of the container only measured to around 10.97 metres (36 feet).
3. Upon closer inspection, ICA officers noticed that there was a false wall in the interior of the container. When it was prised open, paper boxes containing duty-unpaid cigarettes were found.
4. A total of 4,900 cartons of cigarettes were found hidden on the container truck. The total market value is estimated to be around S$441,000, while the Customs duties and GST involved are estimated to be about S$345,000 and S$30,900 respectively.
5. When interviewed, the 26-year-old Malaysian driver told ICA officers that he was promised a sum of RM$80 if he had managed to smuggle the cigarettes into Singapore.
6. The case has been handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations.
About VACIS
7. The VACIS uses gamma rays and allows a large number of import and export containers to be screened effectively and efficiently for undesirable and illegitimate cargoes. With VACIS, ICA officers are able to “see” the contents of container swiftly without having to conduct a physical inspection of the container.
Penalties
8. Upon conviction by the court, first time offenders can be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of duty evaded. For second or subsequent convictions, offenders can be jailed for up to two years, as well as being fined. The offenders also face further fines based on the amount of GST evaded.
Security implications of smuggling
9. As our country's first line of defence against terrorist threats, ICA has a duty to ensure the security and safety of Singapore. 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 contraband. 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. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods into Singapore.