The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) recently updated on their Facebook page of an attempt by two Malaysian registered lorries to smuggle in fresh vegetables, and also processed foods and vegetables into Singapore.
Their attempt however, was foiled by ICA officers on duty together with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) when they found out that the consignment volume and permit that was declared did not tally.
Here is the post by ICA
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲… 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀
On 28 Feb 2023, ICA conducted a joint operation with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) at Woodlands Checkpoint, and foiled an attempt to smuggle illegal import of fresh vegetables, and processed fruits and vegetables into Singapore via two Malaysia-registered lorries.
ICA officers first noticed that the high consignment volume did not tally with the permit declared, and directed the lorries to SFA for enhanced checks. Approximately 230kg of undeclared, and under-declared fruits and vegetables were uncovered.
In Singapore, fruits and vegetables can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid permit.
Illegal imported food produce from unknown sources can pose a food safety risk, when unregulated or high level of pesticides are used. The case has been referred to the SFA for further investigation.
As Guardians of Our Borders, ICA is committed to facilitating trade & safe travels while keeping Singapore’s borders safe & secure.
Image source: Immigration and Checkpoints Authority