The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uncovered an impressive haul of over 520 packs of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in a motorcycle during a smuggling attempt at Woodlands Checkpoint.
In a Facebook post shared on 3 Nov, ICA showcased a video of how officers at the checkpoint foiled the attempt on 24 Oct.
The video reveals the lengths to which the smuggler went to conceal the contraband.
Source: ICA on Facebook
The footage starts with an ICA officer in gloves tearing off the motorcycle’s front shell, unveiling dozens of wrapped cigarette packs stashed inside the vehicle.
Source: ICA on Facebook
The video also shows an X-ray image of the motorcycle before the inspection, showing hidden compartments designed to mask the large haul of illegal cigarettes.
Source: ICA on Facebook
As the officers strip down the motorcycle, the full extent of the hidden stash is revealed, with more cigarette packs continuously being discovered in various compartments.
Source: ICA on Facebook
The suspect, a 30-year-old Malaysian man, was arrested at the scene.
The seized items and the suspect were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
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.
The video quickly gained attention online, with many netizens applauding the ICA for their diligence in intercepting the smuggling attempt.
Source: Facebook
One user likened the act of opening the motorcycle to cracking open a crab shell.
Source: Facebook
Another suspected that someone must have “tipped off” the ICA regarding the smuggling attempt.
Source: Facebook
Also read: ICA busts lorry carrying 2,400 cartons of contraband cigarettes hidden in ‘tomato’ boxes in Tuas
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Featured image adapted from the ICA on Facebook.