Two male Chinese nationals aged 32 and 42 were arrested by Singapore Customs and more than 1,600 cartons of duty unpaid cigarettes were seized in an operation conducted near Marsiling Crescent heavy Vehicle Park on 23 February.
The Singapore Customs put out a media release detailing the events of the operation.
Here is their statement
Singapore Customs arrested two male Chinese nationals, aged 32 and 42, and seized more than 1,600 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in an operation on 23 February 2022.
Case information
During the operation conducted in the vicinity of Marsiling Crescent Heavy Vehicle Park, Singapore Customs officers spotted two men transferring goods covered in black trash bags from a Singapore-registered truck to a Singapore-registered van.
Suspecting that they were dealing with duty-unpaid cigarettes, officers moved in and found 1,636 cartons and 80 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. A follow-up search at one of the man’s residence led to additional seizure of one carton and six packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
Both men were arrested. A total of 1,637 cartons and 86 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes and the two vehicles were seized. The total duty and Goods and Services tax (GST) evaded amounted to about $140,390.00 and $11,170.00 respectively.
Court proceedings against both men are ongoing.
Buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the GST Act.
Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or jailed for up to six years. Vehicles used in the commission of such offences are liable to be forfeited.
Members of public with information on smuggling activities or evasion of duty or GST can call the Singapore Customs hotline on 1800-2330000 or email [email protected] to report these illegal activities.
