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Eyes of ICIS Thwart an Attempt to Smuggle Cigarettes into Singapore
Case Detected
On 13 Sep 2006, at about 0920 hrs, two Malaysian males were arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint for attempting to smuggle in about 4,500 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore using a Malaysia-registered lorry.
2 During a routine check conducted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, the lorry was directed to the gamma ray scanner for more detailed checks. The image analyst noticed some anomalies in the scanned images, when compared with the assortment of items declared. A physical check of the three pallets of consignment declared as “tissue” revealed cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
3 The 43-year-old driver and his 27-year-old attendant were immediately arrested and the lorry seized. When questioned, both men claimed that they were unaware of the duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in the lorry. The driver also added that this was his first time delivering the consignment of “tissue” into Singapore.
4 The total amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved is $316,000 and $21,000 respectively. The two men, the lorry and the exhibits were referred to the Singapore Customs for investigation.
Penalties
5 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.
About the gamma ray scanner
6 The gamma ray scanner is part of the Integrated Container Inspection System (ICIS) deployed at the ICA’s Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. The system is able to verify cargo in a safe and non-intrusive manner. A key advantage of such a scanning system is that it enables ICA officers to “see” the contents of cargo swiftly without having to conduct an extensive physical inspection.
Vigilance at the checkpoints
7 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. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods into Singapore.
On 13 Sep 2006, at about 0920 hrs, two Malaysian males were arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint for attempting to smuggle in about 4,500 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore using a Malaysia-registered lorry.
2 During a routine check conducted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, the lorry was directed to the gamma ray scanner for more detailed checks. The image analyst noticed some anomalies in the scanned images, when compared with the assortment of items declared. A physical check of the three pallets of consignment declared as “tissue” revealed cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
3 The 43-year-old driver and his 27-year-old attendant were immediately arrested and the lorry seized. When questioned, both men claimed that they were unaware of the duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in the lorry. The driver also added that this was his first time delivering the consignment of “tissue” into Singapore.
4 The total amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved is $316,000 and $21,000 respectively. The two men, the lorry and the exhibits were referred to the Singapore Customs for investigation.
Penalties
5 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.
About the gamma ray scanner
6 The gamma ray scanner is part of the Integrated Container Inspection System (ICIS) deployed at the ICA’s Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. The system is able to verify cargo in a safe and non-intrusive manner. A key advantage of such a scanning system is that it enables ICA officers to “see” the contents of cargo swiftly without having to conduct an extensive physical inspection.
Vigilance at the checkpoints
7 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. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods into Singapore.