Following referrals from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Changi Airfreight Centre, Air Cargo Command who discovered parcels containing duty-unpaid cigarettes, Singapore Customs conducted several operations targeting recipients of online shopping parcels between August 4 and 6, 2021.
Seven Singaporeans were arrested as a result of the operations, which took place at Woodlands, Tanglin Halt, Tampines, Pasir Ris, and Teban Gardens.
Singapore Customs officials discovered 3 cartons, 12 packets, and 53 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes, as well as 2 sticks of duty-unpaid cigars, during an operation in Tampines. The investigation is still going on.
Duty-free cigarettes were delivered to numerous receivers in innocuous-looking packages, just like any other online shopping order.
Investigations showed that all seven Singaporean males had reportedly ordered duty-free cigarettes from overseas dealers via a prominent online shopping platform. Three of the perpetrators have been charged in court, while the remaining four individuals are still being investigated.
All images sourced form Singapore Customs