Massive Haul: Over $800,000 in Duties and Taxes Evaded as 4,480 Cartons of Duty-Unpaid Cigarettes Seized
In a major crackdown on cigarette smuggling, Singapore Customs has seized a staggering 4,480 cartons and 35,838 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, evading duties and taxes worth approximately $873,889. The operation, which took place on July 31 and August 5, 2024, resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including four men and a suspected coordinator.
The first operation, conducted at an industrial building in Woodlands Avenue 12, led to the discovery of 2,240 cartons and 17,918 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden among a consignment of glass blocks. Four men, including a 38-year-old Singaporean and three Indian nationals aged 26, 29, and 39, were arrested outside the unit. A 49-year-old Singaporean, suspected to be the coordinator, was later arrested near his residence.
Investigations revealed that the 49-year-old man had allegedly engaged the 38-year-old man to transport the glass blocks containing duty-unpaid cigarettes to the industrial unit. He had also allegedly engaged the 39-year-old man to enlist the help of the 26 and 29-year-old men to repack the duty-unpaid cigarettes into carton boxes.
A follow-up operation on August 5 at a warehouse in Jurong Port Road led to the discovery of another 2,240 cartons and 17,920 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden among glass blocks. Court proceedings are ongoing against four of the men, while investigations continue for the 29-year-old man.
The authorities have warned that 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 committing such offences are also subject to forfeiture.