Singapore Customs arrests two men and seizes 1,600 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes
Singapore Customs arrested two male Singaporeans, both aged 23, and seized 1,600 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in an operation on 17 February 2023.
Case information
In an operation conducted at a car park in Jurong East Street 24, Singapore Customs officers conducted checks on two men and a van, and uncovered 1,600 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes. Both men were arrested.
Investigations revealed that one of the men was allegedly engaged by an unknown person to collect and deliver duty-unpaid cigarettes using the van. He then allegedly engaged the other man to assist him in the collection and delivery of the duty-unpaid cigarettes.
The duty-unpaid cigarettes and the van were seized. The total duty and Goods and Services tax (GST) evaded amounted to about $216,040 and $18,660 respectively. Court proceedings are ongoing against both men.
Buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the GST Act. Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or jailed for up to six years. Vehicles used in the commission of such offences are also liable to be forfeited.
Members of public with information on smuggling activities or evasion of duty or GST can call the Singapore Customs hotline on 1800-2330000 or email [email protected] to report these illegal activities.
Singapore Customs
21 February 2023