ICA discovers over 250 cartons and 1,500 loose packets of cigarettes in car of Malaysian man at Woodlands
Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) foiled an elaborate smuggling attempt after uncovering more than 250 cartons and 1,500 loose packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden throughout a car at Woodlands Checkpoint.
In a Facebook post on 11 Nov, ICA shared inspection footage from 1 Nov, revealing the lengths smugglers go to conceal contraband.
Source: ICA on Facebook
Cigarettes stuffed into dashboard, airbag slot and under car hood
According to the post, ICA officers had sent the Malaysian-registered car, driven by a 38-year-old Malaysian man, for enhanced checks.
Noticing something was amiss, officers began dismantling parts of the car.
Source: ICA on Facebook
Hidden compartments were uncovered beneath the dashboard and inside the boot, into which packets of cigarettes were stuffed.
Source: ICA on Facebook
Officers also found cigarette cartons under the car’s hood and stuffed into the space where the airbag should have been.
Source: ICA on Facebook
The seized cartons were later displayed on a table, a sizeable haul despite the attempted concealment.
Source: ICA on Facebook
The case was then referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigations.
Source: ICA on Facebook
“As Guardians of Our Borders, ICA is committed to keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure while facilitating trade & travel,” the ICA wrote in its post caption.
Netizens praise ICA for thorough checks
Online reception to the post was positive, with netizens applauding the agency for its vigilance.
Source: Facebook
One netizen expressed disbelief at the sheer amount of cigarettes hidden in the vehicle.
Source: Facebook
Also read: ICA finds over 520 packs of duty-unpaid cigarettes inside motorcycle at Woodlands Checkpoint
ICA finds over 520 packs of duty-unpaid cigarettes inside motorcycle at Woodlands Checkpoint
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Featured image adapted from the ICA on Facebook.
