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ICA Foiled Attempt to Smuggle Uncensored and Obscene Discs in a Secret Compartment of a Van
On 29 Mar 04 at 2020 hours, a Malaysian man learnt, at a high cost to himself the important role played by the MOBIX in preventing the smuggling of illegal immigrants, VCDs/DVDs and other contrabands into Singapore. The suspicious images taken of the van he was driving led to the detection of 7,942 pieces of uncensored/obscene CDs, VCDs and DVDs he was trying to smuggle into Singapore.
2 The 29- year old had driven a Malaysian registered van into Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint when he was signalled by ICA officers to stop for a routine check. He appeared nervous and unwilling to co-operate when questioned by our officers. Our experienced officers sensed that something was not right and ushered his van to the MOBIX for screening. During the screening, our officers confirmed that there were suspicious images detected in between the floorboard. The Malaysian man realised the futility of his denial in the face of such incriminating evidence, and he admitted that there were thousands of uncensored CDs, VCDs and DVDs hidden under the floorboard below the rear passenger seat.
3 The opening to the secret compartment of the floorboard was held together by a powerful magnet. The Malaysian man showed our officers a small switchbox located the driver's seat which controlled the electricity needed to power the magnet. The switch was turned off and our officers opened the door to the secret compartment easily. Inside the compartment, 7,415 pieces of uncensored/ obscene VCDs and DVDs were found together with 527 pieces of music CDs. The driver was immediately placed under arrest and the vehicle seized.
4 Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver was paid RM$300/- to drive the van into Singapore. The value of the exhibits is estimated to have a street value of about S$26,290/-. The case has been referred to Singapore Police Force for further investigation.
5 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.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
30 Mar 2004
2 The 29- year old had driven a Malaysian registered van into Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint when he was signalled by ICA officers to stop for a routine check. He appeared nervous and unwilling to co-operate when questioned by our officers. Our experienced officers sensed that something was not right and ushered his van to the MOBIX for screening. During the screening, our officers confirmed that there were suspicious images detected in between the floorboard. The Malaysian man realised the futility of his denial in the face of such incriminating evidence, and he admitted that there were thousands of uncensored CDs, VCDs and DVDs hidden under the floorboard below the rear passenger seat.
3 The opening to the secret compartment of the floorboard was held together by a powerful magnet. The Malaysian man showed our officers a small switchbox located the driver's seat which controlled the electricity needed to power the magnet. The switch was turned off and our officers opened the door to the secret compartment easily. Inside the compartment, 7,415 pieces of uncensored/ obscene VCDs and DVDs were found together with 527 pieces of music CDs. The driver was immediately placed under arrest and the vehicle seized.
4 Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver was paid RM$300/- to drive the van into Singapore. The value of the exhibits is estimated to have a street value of about S$26,290/-. The case has been referred to Singapore Police Force for further investigation.
5 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.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
30 Mar 2004