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ICA Officers Foiled Attempt to Smuggle Illegal Immigrants Hiding in a Secret Compartment of a Car
Nothing escapes the watchful eyes of ICA officers these days. Not even a well-hidden compartment strategically located at the lower carriage of a car.
2 On 11 May 2004 at about 2140 hrs, a car driven by a 22-year-old Malaysian driver was stopped for a thorough check at Woodlands Checkpoint. Opening the boot, the officer sensed that it was slightly raised. After a closer inspection, officers detected a secret compartment after the back seat was lifted. By removing an attached metal plank beneath the seat covering, ICA officers discovered two illegal immigrants hidden within the modified lower carriage of the vehicle.
3 Investigations revealed that the two illegal immigrants, one male and one female, were People's Republic of China (PRC) nationals. The illegal immigrants are aged 23 and 28 years old respectively, both possessed valid travel documents but no visas to enter Singapore.
4 The two illegal immigrants and their Malaysian conveyor were charged in Court on 13 May 2004. In the case of the male illegal immigrant, he was sentenced to one month imprisonment and 4 strokes of the cane while the female was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. As for the conveyor, he was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and 6 strokes of the cane. ICA will be applying to the Court for the forfeiture of the seized vehicle.
5 Immigration & Checkpoints Authority takes a serious view of attempts by foreigners to enter or depart from Singapore illegally. Security checks on passengers and vehicles at all checkpoints have been stepped up.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
19 May 2004
2 On 11 May 2004 at about 2140 hrs, a car driven by a 22-year-old Malaysian driver was stopped for a thorough check at Woodlands Checkpoint. Opening the boot, the officer sensed that it was slightly raised. After a closer inspection, officers detected a secret compartment after the back seat was lifted. By removing an attached metal plank beneath the seat covering, ICA officers discovered two illegal immigrants hidden within the modified lower carriage of the vehicle.
3 Investigations revealed that the two illegal immigrants, one male and one female, were People's Republic of China (PRC) nationals. The illegal immigrants are aged 23 and 28 years old respectively, both possessed valid travel documents but no visas to enter Singapore.
4 The two illegal immigrants and their Malaysian conveyor were charged in Court on 13 May 2004. In the case of the male illegal immigrant, he was sentenced to one month imprisonment and 4 strokes of the cane while the female was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. As for the conveyor, he was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and 6 strokes of the cane. ICA will be applying to the Court for the forfeiture of the seized vehicle.
5 Immigration & Checkpoints Authority takes a serious view of attempts by foreigners to enter or depart from Singapore illegally. Security checks on passengers and vehicles at all checkpoints have been stepped up.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
19 May 2004