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Couple's Smuggling Attempt Canned By ICA
A couple’s attempt to smuggle contraband cigarettes into Singapore was canned by alert officers deployed at Woodlands checkpoint. Checkpoint officers found a total of 245 sticks of contraband cigarettes in the couple’s possession during a routine check.
2 On 28 Nov 06 at about 1930 hours, a Singapore-registered car was singled out for a routine check. In the course of the check, the officer found 225 sticks of cigarettes hidden in tin cans inside the luggage bag. Another pack of 20 sticks of cigarettes was also found in the luggage bag. The couple, a 26-year-old Singaporean man and a 25-year-old female PRC national, admitted to ownership of the contraband cigarettes. They claimed that the cigarettes were bought for their personal consumption.
3 The case has been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation. 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.
4 Being the guardian of Singapore’s checkpoints, ICA is acutely aware that our borders are the first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security against possible terrorist attacks. The increased security checks at all our checkpoints are critical to our nation’s security, especially since terrorism remains a clear and present threat to Singapore. ICA now conducts 100 per cent checks on persons, cargo and conveyances that pass through our checkpoints. These enhanced security checks have been effective in helping to detect cases of smuggling illegal goods and illegal immigrants. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods and persons into and out of Singapore.
2 On 28 Nov 06 at about 1930 hours, a Singapore-registered car was singled out for a routine check. In the course of the check, the officer found 225 sticks of cigarettes hidden in tin cans inside the luggage bag. Another pack of 20 sticks of cigarettes was also found in the luggage bag. The couple, a 26-year-old Singaporean man and a 25-year-old female PRC national, admitted to ownership of the contraband cigarettes. They claimed that the cigarettes were bought for their personal consumption.
3 The case has been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation. 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.
4 Being the guardian of Singapore’s checkpoints, ICA is acutely aware that our borders are the first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security against possible terrorist attacks. The increased security checks at all our checkpoints are critical to our nation’s security, especially since terrorism remains a clear and present threat to Singapore. ICA now conducts 100 per cent checks on persons, cargo and conveyances that pass through our checkpoints. These enhanced security checks have been effective in helping to detect cases of smuggling illegal goods and illegal immigrants. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods and persons into and out of Singapore.