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Game Over For Underwear Smugglers
In the past one week, ICA has caught five smugglers trying to bring in various illegal items and contraband by hiding them in their underwear. Two persons were caught recently in separate incidents at Woodlands checkpoints with illegal items and contraband in their underwear.
Case 1 - Uncensored discs in underwear
2 On 26 Aug 05 at about 2140 hours, a vigilant ICA officer noticed that a Malaysian man was walking in an awkward manner at the Arrival Bus Hall at Woodlands checkpoint. The officer could tell that the man was trying to hide his awkward gait and this aroused the checkpoint officer's suspicions. The Malaysian man was directed to the office for a check. After a thorough search, our officers found in his underwear 18 pieces of uncensored discs, 16 of which were suspected to be obscene.
3 There was no way the 29-year-old man could deny knowing the existence of the uncensored discs in his underwear, and he promptly admitted to the ownership of the discs. He was referred to the Police for further investigation.
4 Under Films Act (Cap 107), persons found guilty of importing obscene films are liable to a fine not less than $1,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $40,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 12 months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine not less than $2,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 2 years.
Case 2 - Duty-unpaid cigarettes in underwear
5 Two days later on 28 Aug 05 at about 1350 hours, a Singaporean woman was arrested at the same place at Woodlands Arrival Bus Hall for trying to smuggle in five packets cigarettes. She had tried to hide the five packets of duty-unpaid Marlboro cigarettes in her undergarments.
6 A female ICA officer on duty noticed that the 33-year-old woman appeared very nervous and was looking around the Bus Hall in a furtive manner. The officer stopped the woman and directed her to our office for a check. After a thorough check, the ICA female officer found five packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes in her bra and panty. The Singaporean woman admitted to ownership of the cigarettes and claimed that they were brought in for her own consumption.
7 The woman was referred to Singapore Customs and was given a composition fine of $300.
8 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 would like to warn the public against smuggling unlawful goods illegally into Singapore.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
29 Aug 05
Case 1 - Uncensored discs in underwear
2 On 26 Aug 05 at about 2140 hours, a vigilant ICA officer noticed that a Malaysian man was walking in an awkward manner at the Arrival Bus Hall at Woodlands checkpoint. The officer could tell that the man was trying to hide his awkward gait and this aroused the checkpoint officer's suspicions. The Malaysian man was directed to the office for a check. After a thorough search, our officers found in his underwear 18 pieces of uncensored discs, 16 of which were suspected to be obscene.
3 There was no way the 29-year-old man could deny knowing the existence of the uncensored discs in his underwear, and he promptly admitted to the ownership of the discs. He was referred to the Police for further investigation.
4 Under Films Act (Cap 107), persons found guilty of importing obscene films are liable to a fine not less than $1,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $40,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 12 months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine not less than $2,000/- for each film imported (but not exceeding aggregate of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 2 years.
Case 2 - Duty-unpaid cigarettes in underwear
5 Two days later on 28 Aug 05 at about 1350 hours, a Singaporean woman was arrested at the same place at Woodlands Arrival Bus Hall for trying to smuggle in five packets cigarettes. She had tried to hide the five packets of duty-unpaid Marlboro cigarettes in her undergarments.
6 A female ICA officer on duty noticed that the 33-year-old woman appeared very nervous and was looking around the Bus Hall in a furtive manner. The officer stopped the woman and directed her to our office for a check. After a thorough check, the ICA female officer found five packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes in her bra and panty. The Singaporean woman admitted to ownership of the cigarettes and claimed that they were brought in for her own consumption.
7 The woman was referred to Singapore Customs and was given a composition fine of $300.
8 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 would like to warn the public against smuggling unlawful goods illegally into Singapore.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
29 Aug 05