An attempt to smuggle 639kg of chewing tobacco into Singapore via a Malaysia-registered truck delivering concrete wall panels was halted by ICA officials at Tuas Checkpoint.
Chewing tobacco is used by placement in the mouth. It has a distinctive smell and consists of moist, dark brown tobacco leaf, mixed with slaked lime or spices.
Here is what ICA said:
On 28 June, ICA officers at Tuas Checkpoint foiled an attempt to smuggle around 𝟲𝟯𝟵𝗸𝗴 of chewing tobacco into Singapore via a Malaysia-registered lorry transporting a consignment of concrete wall panels.
Our vigilant officers conducted enhanced checks and uncovered the chewing tobacco wrapped in black trash bags concealed within the modified floor board underneath the consignment.
The case was referred to Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.
Safeguarding Singapore’s borders remains as the top priority for ICA. Similar concealment methods may also be used by terrorists to smuggle security items into Singapore. ICA will continue to conduct security checks to detect and deter smuggling attempts, to keep Singapore safe.
Penalties:
Chewing tobacco is strictly prohibited in Singapore
Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence. All imported chewing tobacco will be seized and confiscated.
Image Source: ICA