On 21 Feb 2006, Mr Ken Kanada pleaded guilty to the charge of abusing ICA officers in the execution of their duties under the Customs Act. He had used foul language on three ICA officers after they subjected his bags for examination at Changi Airport. The 33-year-old man subsequently paid a fine of $2,000 imposed by the District Judge.

2 Mr Kanada had returned to Singapore from Bangkok, Thailand on 9 Jan 2006 at about 2240 hours through Changi Airport Terminal 2. The Japanese Employment Pass holder was stopped by ICA officers for a routine check of his baggage using the x-ray machine. He threw his baggage down on the conveyor belt of the x-ray machine and hurled vulgarities at the officers. Although he was warned to stop doing so, he continued to spew obscenities at the officers in the full view of the public at the Arrival Hall. He was subsequently referred to Singapore Customs and charged in court.

3 Under the Customs Act, persons found guilty of assaulting, abusing, or obstructing any authorised officer in the performance or execution of his duty are liable to a fine of up to $10,000/- and/or to a jail term up to 18 months.

4 Singapore welcomes all bona fide visitors seeking to work, study or stay here. However, we will expect all persons (be they residents or non-residents) to observe the laws in Singapore when they are here.

5 ICA has tightened security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband. Our officers at the checkpoints maintain a high level of vigilance at all times and are trained to profile potential offenders. We will like to warn the public against smuggling unlawful goods illegally into Singapore.