Suspects Lacked Travel Documents and Possessed Over 2,700 Packets of Duty-Unpaid Cigarettes
Coastal Security Operation Leads to Arrest
In the early hours of May 17, four Indonesian men aged between 28 and 50 were apprehended for unlawfully entering Singapore by sea and for being in possession of a large quantity of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
According to a joint statement released on May 18 by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the suspects will face formal charges in court on May 19.
Detection and Swift Response
The Police Coast Guard (PCG) identified a suspicious small craft approaching Singapore’s shoreline and landing just outside the perimeter fence of Pulau Tekong at 1:27 a.m. Officers from the PCG, Gurkha Contingent, Special Operations Command, and the K-9 Unit were immediately deployed to intercept the men.
The suspects were arrested shortly after disembarking and were reportedly unarmed and without valid immigration documents.
Contraband Seized During Operation
Authorities discovered and seized a fibreglass motorised vessel used in the illegal entry, along with approximately 2,700 packets of assorted duty-unpaid cigarettes. The uncustomed goods were confiscated as evidence.
Photos provided by the SPF show the seized cigarettes and the boat used by the men.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigations
If convicted of entering Singapore without authorisation, the men face up to six months’ imprisonment and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.
Investigations are being jointly handled by the Police Coast Guard and Singapore Customs to determine if the suspects are linked to a broader smuggling network.
Authorities Emphasize Border Security
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ang Eng Seng, who commands the Police Coast Guard, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding Singapore’s maritime borders.
“This joint operation with ICA demonstrates the strong collaboration needed to protect our territorial waters from illegal activities and security threats. Anyone involved in facilitating such illegal entries will be held fully accountable,” he stated.