SINGAPORE: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has seized a total of 3,331 cartons and six packets of contraband cigarettes and 226.6kg of chewing tobacco over two days at the Tuas checkpoint.
According to a news release issued on Tuesday, ICA officers discovered these items in modified compartments of two Malaysian-registered buses during routine checks.
At 5am on Saturday, a bus driven by a 30-year-old male Malaysian was directed for further checks at Tuas checkpoint. Officers found contraband cigarettes in a modified compartment underneath the vehicle, underneath the rear passenger seats, in modified air-conditioner ducts, and at the modified baggage compartment. A total of 2,750 cartons were uncovered.
The next day, another bus driven by a 38-year-old male Malaysian was directed for checks. Officers found contraband cigarettes and chewing tobacco hidden inside the air-conditioning ducts and speakers. A total of 581 cartons and 6 packets of contraband cigarettes, and 25,178 sachets or 226.6kg of chewing tobacco were found.
The total duty as well as Goods and Services Tax evaded exceeded S$326,280 and S$29,410 respectively. The drivers, contraband items and vehicles for both cases were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations.
The vehicles used in the commission of such offences are liable to be forfeited. The 30-year-old male Malaysian involved in the first case has been sentenced to 30 months’ jail on Oct 26 while investigations are ongoing for the second case.
