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

A netizen posted photos of what remains after residents have finished offerings for the Hungry ghost festival.

The offerings were left behind by irresponsible residents who disposed of the packaging on the grass patch and even some of it flew into the drain nearby.

A netizen said: I am shocked. Singapore is known for all their campaigns to be clean and green. From the time I was in primary one, I remember those campaigns and the City was so clean. I am shocked to see this from Singaporeans.

Nothing wrong with burning just clean up after burning my two cents.

After landing in Singapore on 23 March 2021, Esther Tan Ling Ying, 24 did not immediately return home.

She proceeded to an airport food court, then to a Clementi clinic, where she lied about her travel history and got medication. Tan had challenged the sole allegation under the Infectious Diseases Act and she was later tested positive for Covid-19.

Wants to challenge the charge against her

She is facing one charge under the Infectious and Disease Act but she wishes the challenge the case. She claimed in court that the officer from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority who briefed her at the airport did not instruct her to return home right away.

She further argued that her stay-at-home notice did not state that she was required to do so.

She will be back in court on August 30th for her sentencing.

According to lawyers who observed the case commented that if she did not contest and pleads guilty she would most likely get a fine. Well, Since she contested if she is found guilty she will either get a heftier fine or even a jail sentence.