Attempt to smuggle 525 cartons and 250 packets of assorted duty-unpaid cigarettes foiled by ICA

525 cartons and 250 packets of assorted duty-unpaid cigarettes were discovered in a Malaysian-registered lorry at Woodlands Checkpoint on 27 July.

In a Facebook post on Monday (3 Aug), the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stated that its officers then referred the lorry for further checks and found duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed inside household items such as refrigerator, mattress, washing machine, and sofa.

The case was referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.

The ICA asserted that this method of concealment is a cause for concern as similar methods may be used by people with ill intent to smuggle security items into Singapore, adding that it will continue to conduct security checks on passengers, goods, and vehicles to safeguard Singapore’s security.

Under the Customs Act, any person who fails to declare, or make an incorrect declaration of taxable goods, can be compounded up to S$5,000, or charged in Court, depending on the severity of the offence.