On 15 Oct 2005, at about 0605 hrs, a male Malaysian Work Permit holder riding a motorcycle was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint for attempting to smuggle duty-unpaid tobacco into Singapore.

2 During a routine check conducted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, 20 packets of duty-unpaid tobacco were found stuffed in the right shoe of the male Work Permit holder while another 19 packets were found hidden in his left shoe. A total of 39 packets of HANS CHHAP SCENTED KHAINI duty-unpaid tobacco, each packet weighing 12 grams, were uncovered.

3 The Malay male admitted ownership of the items found and claimed that the tobacco was intended for sale to a colleague at his workplace. The subject and the duty-unpaid tobacco were handed over to the Singapore Customs for further investigations.

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
17 Oct 2005