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Smuggling Attempt Thwarted at Checkpoint
Over the past week, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) performed two episodes of 'SATC'. No, not 'Sex And The City', but 'Smuggling Attempt Thwarted at Checkpoint'.
Case on 15 September 2004
2. Acting on information received, a Malaysia-registered lorry carrying a consignment of speaker systems was stopped at the Woodlands Checkpoint on 15 September 2004 at about 9.30am for 100 per cent checks. Upon examination, a total of 21,380 suspected obscene and uncensored discs were found hidden among the goods in the front left corner of the goods compartment. The estimated value of the discs was $32,310.50. The case was referred to the Singapore Police Force for investigation.
Case on 18 September 2004
3. On 18 September 2004 at 4am, ICA officers stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry for a routine check. The cargo was declared as "26 pallets of concrete hollow blocks". Nonetheless, our officers decided to conduct a thorough check of the cargo. Hidden beneath the canvas of the lorry were cartons containing cigarettes and discs. All in all, 150 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and 15,150 pieces of suspected obscene/uncensored discs were found hidden underneath the canvas. The value of the discs was estimated to be $12,215, and the estimated value of the duty-unpaid cigarettes was $9,375. The duty and GST involved for the cigarettes was $8,790 and $586.50 respectively. When questioned, the driver and his passenger admitted ownership of the exhibits found. The driver claimed that he was asked by an unknown man to deliver the items for RM$600. The money was to be shared with the passenger. Both men were immediately placed under arrest. The case has been referred to the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Customs for further investigation.
4. Under Copyright Act (Cap 63), persons found guilty of selling or distributing articles of any work in which copyright or trademark subsists are liable to a fine of up to $10,000/- per article (or up to a maximum fine of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 5 years. Under Films Act (Cap 107), persons found guilty of distributing uncensored films are liable to a fine not less than $500/- for each film (or up to a maximum fine of $40,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 6 months.
5. If found guilty of smuggling duty-unpaid cigarettes, the offenders could be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved.
6. 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. We would like to warn the public to think twice before they attempt to smuggle unlawful goods illegally into Singapore as our officers at the checkpoints maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
22 September 2004
Case on 15 September 2004
2. Acting on information received, a Malaysia-registered lorry carrying a consignment of speaker systems was stopped at the Woodlands Checkpoint on 15 September 2004 at about 9.30am for 100 per cent checks. Upon examination, a total of 21,380 suspected obscene and uncensored discs were found hidden among the goods in the front left corner of the goods compartment. The estimated value of the discs was $32,310.50. The case was referred to the Singapore Police Force for investigation.
Case on 18 September 2004
3. On 18 September 2004 at 4am, ICA officers stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry for a routine check. The cargo was declared as "26 pallets of concrete hollow blocks". Nonetheless, our officers decided to conduct a thorough check of the cargo. Hidden beneath the canvas of the lorry were cartons containing cigarettes and discs. All in all, 150 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and 15,150 pieces of suspected obscene/uncensored discs were found hidden underneath the canvas. The value of the discs was estimated to be $12,215, and the estimated value of the duty-unpaid cigarettes was $9,375. The duty and GST involved for the cigarettes was $8,790 and $586.50 respectively. When questioned, the driver and his passenger admitted ownership of the exhibits found. The driver claimed that he was asked by an unknown man to deliver the items for RM$600. The money was to be shared with the passenger. Both men were immediately placed under arrest. The case has been referred to the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Customs for further investigation.
4. Under Copyright Act (Cap 63), persons found guilty of selling or distributing articles of any work in which copyright or trademark subsists are liable to a fine of up to $10,000/- per article (or up to a maximum fine of $100,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 5 years. Under Films Act (Cap 107), persons found guilty of distributing uncensored films are liable to a fine not less than $500/- for each film (or up to a maximum fine of $40,000/-), and/or to a jail term up to 6 months.
5. If found guilty of smuggling duty-unpaid cigarettes, the offenders could be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of customs duties and Goods & Services Tax involved.
6. 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. We would like to warn the public to think twice before they attempt to smuggle unlawful goods illegally into Singapore as our officers at the checkpoints maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
22 September 2004