Singapore ICA rip apart Malaysia-registered car’s bumpers, uncover over 190 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes; two Malaysians arrested

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) dismantled a Malaysia-registered car at the Woodlands Checkpoint, uncovering a cache of duty-unpaid cigarettes during a rigorous examination. The ICA released photographs on its social media showcasing officers removing the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle, alongside black trash bags containing the contraband goods hidden within various compartments.

The search and examination officers discovered over 190 cartons and more than 500 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed within the car. ICA reported that a 34-year-old Malaysian male driver and his 45-year-old male passenger were arrested as a result of the contraband discovery, with the case subsequently referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.

The act of buying, selling, conveying, possessing, and dealing with duty-unpaid goods is considered a serious offense under the Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. Offenders could face penalties up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded, imprisonment for up to six years, or both. Additionally, vehicles involved in such offenses, as well as the proceeds from the sale of duty-unpaid goods, may be forfeited.