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Smuggler Avoided DPM Jayakumar's Visit at Woodlands but caught at Tuas
A smuggler probably thought that he should avoid going through Woodlands checkpoint given that DPM Jayakumar was visiting Woodlands checkpoint today. He thought that a better idea would be to try smuggling his contraband cigarettes through Tuas checkpoint. Well, he was half-right. He was right to avoid Woodlands checkpoint given the increased security checks, but the security at Tuas checkpoint was just as tight! The Singaporean man was caught by vigilant ICA officers while trying to smuggle about 1,352 cartons of contraband cigarettes through Tuas checkpoint.
2 On 9 Feb 2006 at about 0805 hours, the Singapore-registered bus was stopped at Tuas checkpoint for a routine check by ICA officers. The 49-year-old Singaporean driver had appeared very nervous as our officers inspected the bus. During the check, our officers found cartons of cigarettes hidden in a secret compartment within the luggage compartment. The driver was immediately placed under arrest and the bus seized. A thorough check of the entire bus revealed contraband cigarettes hidden in other parts of the bus as well – behind the speakers points and aircon outlets on the ceiling above the passenger seats. A total of about 1,352 cartons x 200 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found hidden on the bus.
3 The total amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved is estimated to be S$95,200 and S$6,100 respectively. 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. In 2005, about 1,600 immigration offenders were arrested at the checkpoints either trying to enter or leave Singapore illegally. ICA also detected about 17,000 cases of contraband-smuggling cases in 2005. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods and persons into and out of Singapore.
2 On 9 Feb 2006 at about 0805 hours, the Singapore-registered bus was stopped at Tuas checkpoint for a routine check by ICA officers. The 49-year-old Singaporean driver had appeared very nervous as our officers inspected the bus. During the check, our officers found cartons of cigarettes hidden in a secret compartment within the luggage compartment. The driver was immediately placed under arrest and the bus seized. A thorough check of the entire bus revealed contraband cigarettes hidden in other parts of the bus as well – behind the speakers points and aircon outlets on the ceiling above the passenger seats. A total of about 1,352 cartons x 200 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found hidden on the bus.
3 The total amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved is estimated to be S$95,200 and S$6,100 respectively. 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. In 2005, about 1,600 immigration offenders were arrested at the checkpoints either trying to enter or leave Singapore illegally. ICA also detected about 17,000 cases of contraband-smuggling cases in 2005. We would like to advise the public against smuggling unlawful goods and persons into and out of Singapore.