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Our Men’s gotta do What Our Men’s gotta do
We have done it again. On 11 July 2006, at 11.17pm, our vigilant officers at the Woodlands Checkpoint have detected another major haul of contraband cigarettes.
Case detected
2. While examining the gamma scan images of a Malaysian-registered lorry declared to be carrying garbage bags, our observant officer noticed that there were items of lower density at the bottom of the consignment. The lorry was then directed for further checks. While the items of higher density at the top and back of the lorry were found to be black garbage bags, the items of lower density at the bottom were found to be contraband cigarettes.
3. The driver (a 49-year-old Malaysian) and his passenger (a 24-year-old Malaysian male) were immediately placed under arrest. When interviewed, the driver claimed that his passenger was his guide. He claimed that he did not know the name of the passenger or the content of the goods. The passenger, on the other hand, admitted knowledge of the cigarettes.
4. A total of 4,800 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were uncovered. The estimated Customs duties and GST payable are $337,920 and $21,600 respectively.
5. The suspects, cigarettes and vehicle were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Penalties
6. 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
7. The gamma ray scanner is part of the Integrated Container Inspection System (ICIS) deployed at 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 before having to conduct an extensive physical inspection.
Vigilance at the checkpoints
8. 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.
Case detected
2. While examining the gamma scan images of a Malaysian-registered lorry declared to be carrying garbage bags, our observant officer noticed that there were items of lower density at the bottom of the consignment. The lorry was then directed for further checks. While the items of higher density at the top and back of the lorry were found to be black garbage bags, the items of lower density at the bottom were found to be contraband cigarettes.
3. The driver (a 49-year-old Malaysian) and his passenger (a 24-year-old Malaysian male) were immediately placed under arrest. When interviewed, the driver claimed that his passenger was his guide. He claimed that he did not know the name of the passenger or the content of the goods. The passenger, on the other hand, admitted knowledge of the cigarettes.
4. A total of 4,800 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were uncovered. The estimated Customs duties and GST payable are $337,920 and $21,600 respectively.
5. The suspects, cigarettes and vehicle were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Penalties
6. 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
7. The gamma ray scanner is part of the Integrated Container Inspection System (ICIS) deployed at 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 before having to conduct an extensive physical inspection.
Vigilance at the checkpoints
8. 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.