A 26-year-old Malaysian man was arrested after more than 138,000 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes were discovered in a Malaysia-registered vehicle at Woodlands Checkpoint.
The incident took place on Aug 4, when the man was entering Singapore from Malaysia. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers selected the vehicle for enhanced checks after it arrived at the checkpoint.
During the inspection, officers discovered a large quantity of cigarettes concealed beneath the floorboard of the car. The haul consisted of more than 600 cartons and over 900 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
Cigarettes Hidden Inside Vehicle
The concealed cigarettes were equivalent to approximately 138,000 individual sticks, according to the ICA.
Photographs released by the authority showed officers examining the vehicle and the cigarettes recovered during the operation. The large quantity was hidden in the vehicle’s floorboard, apparently in an attempt to evade detection during the checkpoint inspection.
The Malaysian man was subsequently arrested in connection with the case. The seized cigarettes and the vehicle were also taken as exhibits as investigations continued.
Case Referred To Singapore Customs
Following the arrest, the suspect and the seized items were referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Singapore Customs is responsible for investigating offences involving Singapore’s customs laws, including the illegal importation and possession of duty-unpaid tobacco products.
The discovery serves as another reminder that vehicles entering Singapore through the land checkpoints may be subjected to enhanced checks when required. Authorities regularly conduct inspections to detect prohibited and duty-unpaid goods being brought into the country.
Heavy Penalties For Duty-Unpaid Cigarettes
Duty-unpaid cigarettes are illegal to bring into Singapore without complying with the country’s customs and excise requirements. Tobacco products imported into Singapore are subject to duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Those caught with duty-unpaid cigarettes can face substantial financial penalties, with the consequences depending on the circumstances and quantity involved. Vehicles used to transport such goods may also be seized by the authorities.
Investigations into the latest case are ongoing. The authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s alleged involvement or whether additional arrests are expected.
Members of the public are advised against becoming involved in the illegal importation, transportation or possession of duty-unpaid tobacco products, as such offences can result in significant penalties under Singapore law.