Officers from the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority foiled two attempts to smuggle illegal items into Singapore.
The first smuggling attempt was at Tanjong Pagar Scanning Station on 31 December 2022, when ICA officers detected undeclared suspected counterfeit products that were hidden among other cargoes.
The other smuggling attempt was at the Pasir Panjang Scanning Station on 13 January 2023, when ICA officers detected 30 pots of undeclared Yellow Mai flower plants, which were uncertified.
The counterfeit products were referred to Singapore Customs while the undeclared plants were referred to NParks for investigation.
ICA’s statement
𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸? 𝗪𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁.
ICA has uncovered attempts at smuggling undeclared goods hidden amongst other declared consignments in cargo containers.
On 31 Dec 2022, ICA officers at Tanjong Pagar Scanning Station detected anomalies in the scanned images of a cargo container. Undeclared suspected counterfeit apparel (such as “Coach” handbags and “Tommy Hilfiger” clothes) were uncovered hidden amongst other assorted cargoes upon enhanced checks at the importer’s premises.
On 13 Jan 2023, ICA officers at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station similarly uncovered 30 pots of undeclared Yellow Mai flower plants (𝘖𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢). Plants and potting soil without proper certification from the sources of import could harbour harmful plant pests and diseases that could adversely affect our local ecosystems and native flora and fauna.
The suspected counterfeit apparel was referred to Singapore Customs, and the undeclared plants were referred to NParks for further investigation.
As Guardians of Our Borders, ICA is committed to facilitating trade & safe travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe & secure.