Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has thwarted yet another smuggling attempt at Tuas Checkpoint, uncovering a large haul of duty-unpaid cigarettes disguised as food cargo.
On 5 September 2025, ICA officers stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry after anomalies were spotted in its scanned images. The consignment was declared as a shipment of tomatoes, but further inspection revealed 2,400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed within the cargo.
The driver and the seized goods were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about the driver’s nationality or possible accomplices, but investigations are ongoing.
ICA’s Continued Vigilance at the Borders
ICA emphasised that such cases highlight the importance of border checks in safeguarding Singapore’s security while maintaining smooth trade and travel operations. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to stopping smuggling syndicates that attempt to exploit the country’s busy land checkpoints.
This incident adds to a series of smuggling attempts uncovered in recent months, where smugglers have tried increasingly creative methods, from hiding cigarettes inside modified vehicle compartments to concealing them within legitimate food consignments.
Severe Penalties for Smuggling
Under Singapore law, offenders caught smuggling duty-unpaid cigarettes face hefty penalties, including fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded and possible imprisonment. Vehicles used in smuggling may also be seized.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities, reinforcing the message that Singapore takes border security and tax evasion seriously.