Almost 8000 boxes of contraband cigarettes seized at land checkpoints

During two routine checks at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers uncovered 7,999 cartons contraband cigarettes with an estimated value of $852,700.  On Oct. 8, a 32-year-old Malaysian male was stopped at Tuas Checkpoint while travelling in a Malaysia-registered lorry declared to be bringing in consignments of garments and thermal paper. ICA officers discovered 5,000 cartons of duty unpaid cigarettes hidden within unlabeled consignments and five different pallets amid the freight. This apprehension is the single largest detection of contraband cigarettes this year.  On Oct. 9, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint seized 2,999 cartons of contraband cigarettes concealed among a consignment of vegetables driven by a 29-year-old Malaysian male travelling in a Malaysia-registered lorry.  Both men were arrested and the seized exhibits and vehicles were turned over to Singapore Customs for further investigations.   Read Also:  Sleazeball couple made over $1m from providing illegal sexual services in pubs