More than 1,300 cartons of contraband cigarettes seized

SINGAPORE — In the span of two days, 1,301 cartons and 948 packets of contraband cigarettes were seized at Woodlands Checkpoint in three separate cases.

The potential customs duty and GST of the cigarettes, hidden in three Malaysia-registered vehicles, amounted to about S$108,314 and S$10,377 respectively, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a statement today (July 3).

The ICA also noted that “the same method of concealment could similarly be used to smuggle dangerous materials such as weapons or explosives into Singapore”.

The first two cases occurred on Wednesday.

At about 7.20am, ICA officers uncovered 246 cartons of contraband cigarettes in the modified floorboard of a car driven by a 31-year-old Malaysian man.

Just over an hour later, officers found 96 cartons and 948 packets of contraband cigarettes in various parts of another car driven by a 26-year-old Malaysian man.

The next day at about 3am, 959 cartons of cigarettes were seized from a lorry driven by a 35-year-old Malaysian man. The lorry, which was declared to be carrying “3,200 cartons of assorted packet drinks”, was directed for further inspection after officers noticed anomalies in the scanned image.

Cartons of cigarettes were found in sealed packages placed among the consignment of packet drinks. Further checks uncovered more contraband cigarettes hidden in the rear compartment and tool box compartment of the lorry.

All persons, exhibits and vehicles for the three cases were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations, said the ICA.

Vehicles used in the commission of such offences are liable to be forfeited. Investigations are ongoing. NAWWARAH ABDUL GHANI