SINGAPORE: A Malaysian lorry driver was arrested for attempting to smuggle more than 7,000 cartons of cigarettes into Singapore, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said.
A Malaysia-registered lorry was directed for inspection at the Woodlands Checkpoint. It was ostensibly carrying about 3.7 tonnes of thermalrock, which is a building material used for insulation.
But ICA officers found 7,149 cartons and 1,421 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden within the consignment of goods.
The 41-year-old Malaysian driver is under investigation. The contraband cigarettes and vehicle were handed over to Singapore Customs.
The potential duty on the cigarettes is about $576,960, while the and Goods and Services Tax is estimated to be $57,650. The vehicle could be forfeited.
