Singapore, 6 November 2023 – On 31 October 2023, Singapore Customs conducted two operations in Kampong Ampat and Lorong 17 Geylang respectively.
Three male Singaporeans aged 23, 35 and 59 were arrested and 5,800 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded amounted to about $646,207.
Kampong Ampat
At a carpark located in Kampong Ampat, Customs officers saw a male driver alighting from a van. They moved in and uncovered 2,400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in the van.
The 23-year-old man was arrested, and the duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized. Investigations are ongoing.
Geylang
At Lorong 17 Geylang, a driver and two passengers were seen alighting from a van. Following checks, Customs officers uncovered 3,000 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in the vehicle. A follow-up search at the driver’s residence led to another 400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and were seized. The 59-year-old male driver and 35-year-old male passenger were arrested. Another passenger, a 35-year-old woman, was requested to assist with investigations.
Separately, the trio were found in possession of sachets containing substances suspected to be controlled drugs and 2 drug paraphernalia. This matter was referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for further investigation. 4 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. 5 Members of public with information on smuggling activities or evasion of duty or GST can email [email protected] to report these illegal activities.