1,984 cartons, 2,395 packets of contraband cigarettes uncovered at checkpoints: ICA

SINGAPORE — In the span of three days, officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uncovered 1,984 cartons and 2,395 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.

The cigarettes were concealed in modified compartments of three Malaysian-registered multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and a bus. The potential duty and GST for the duty-unpaid cigarettes amounted to about S$174,860 and S$16,600, said the ICA in a statement today (May 29).

The three MPVs with contraband cigarettes were discovered at Tuas Checkpoint.

On May 26, an MPV driven by a 23-year-old Malaysian man with three Malaysian female passengers was found with contraband cigarettes hidden in the modified floorboard of the vehicle. The next day, cigarettes were found hidden in the modified fuel tank of an MPV driven by a 26-year-old Malaysian man. Yesterday, routine checks resulted in the discovery of cigarettes hidden in the front bumper and modified compartments of the dashboard, floorboard and panels of an MPV driven by a 29-year-old Malaysian woman with two other female Malaysian passengers.

The Malaysian-registered bus with contraband cigarettes was discovered at Woodlands Checkpoint on May 26. The cigarettes were found in the modified floorboard of the empty bus, driven by a 36-year-old Malaysian man.

The drivers, passengers, exhibits and vehicles for all cases were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations, said the ICA.

Vehicles used to commit such offences are liable to be forfeited. Investigations are ongoing.