A Singaporean man found out that even when he tries to smuggle something as small as tablets by hiding them in a packet of rice, ICA officers will rise to the occasion and foiled his attempt. On 29 June 2006 at about 1205 hours, the Singaporean man was stopped at the Arrival Bus Hall at Woodlands Checkpoint for a routine check. While checking his belongings, the alert ICA officer noticed that the 37-year-old man was fidgeting nervously. Sensing something amiss, the officer directed the man into the ICA office for a thorough check.

2 The officer’s suspicions were confirmed when a white plastic bag containing 20 tablets suspected to be controlled drugs were found in the Singaporean’s packet of rice. He was immediately arrested and the case was referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for further investigations.

3 He will be investigated for the offence of importation of a controlled drug. If convicted, he will face a minimum sentence of 3 years imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane.

4 In view of the current global situation, enforcement agencies at all entry and exit points are working closely together to step up security inspections of all persons, goods and vehicles entering or leaving Singapore. As a result, drug traffickers can also expect to face a heightened gauntlet of security checks and measures at our entry and exit points