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ICA Sinks Attempt to Smuggle 1914 Cartons of Contraband Cigarettes
The Indonesian master probably thought that he was going to make his fortune when his vessel carrying contraband cigarettes arrived in Singapore. His joy was short-lived though, when ICA officers from the Anti-Smuggling Team boarded his 'fagship' at the mouth of Pandan River for a check. A total of 1914 cartons of contraband cigarettes were found hidden in the vessel.
2 On 5 Dec 2005 at about 2105 hours, ICA officers intercepted and boarded a supply vessel that had arrived from Batam, Indonesia. The master of the vessel, a 42-year-old male Indonesian was visibly nervous as our officers were checking the vessel. Our observant officers noticed that there were bales of canvas placed on top of the manholes leading to the steering gear room underneath. Upon removing the canvas and opening the lid, the officers found that the entrance was fully stuffed with cargo nets and coils of ropes. After clearing the nets and ropes, our officers descended into the dark and musty steering gear room. There, they found boxes of contraband cigarettes stacked in the room. A total of 1914 cartons of contraband cigarettes were found in the room.
3 The master and his three Indonesian crew (their ages ranged from 30 to 38) were immediately placed under arrest. The vessel was also seized. Preliminary investigations showed that the master had been asked by a Singaporean to bring in the cigarettes. He revealed that he and his crew were promised $8 for every carton delivered. The total amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved is estimated to be S$175,000 and S$10,000 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 2 years, as well as being fined. The offenders also face further fines based on the amount of GST evaded.
4 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.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
6 Dec 2005
2 On 5 Dec 2005 at about 2105 hours, ICA officers intercepted and boarded a supply vessel that had arrived from Batam, Indonesia. The master of the vessel, a 42-year-old male Indonesian was visibly nervous as our officers were checking the vessel. Our observant officers noticed that there were bales of canvas placed on top of the manholes leading to the steering gear room underneath. Upon removing the canvas and opening the lid, the officers found that the entrance was fully stuffed with cargo nets and coils of ropes. After clearing the nets and ropes, our officers descended into the dark and musty steering gear room. There, they found boxes of contraband cigarettes stacked in the room. A total of 1914 cartons of contraband cigarettes were found in the room.
3 The master and his three Indonesian crew (their ages ranged from 30 to 38) were immediately placed under arrest. The vessel was also seized. Preliminary investigations showed that the master had been asked by a Singaporean to bring in the cigarettes. He revealed that he and his crew were promised $8 for every carton delivered. The total amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved is estimated to be S$175,000 and S$10,000 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 2 years, as well as being fined. The offenders also face further fines based on the amount of GST evaded.
4 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.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
6 Dec 2005