Malaysian bus driver attempts to smuggle 1,488 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in rear luggage compartment
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has foiled another smuggling attempt, this time intercepting 1,488 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in a Malaysia-registered bus at Woodlands Checkpoint.
In a Facebook post on Monday (2 March), ICA stated that a 43-year-old male Malaysian driver was arrested in connection with the case.
Source: ICA on Facebook
Smuggling attempt uncovered during enhanced checks
The incident occurred on 24 Feb, when ICA officers directed a Malaysia-registered bus for enhanced checks.
This was after ICA Image Analysts noticed anomalies in scanned images of the bus.
During checks, officers discovered multiple cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in the rear luggage compartment of the vehicle.
ICA seized a total of 1,488 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
Source: ICA on Facebook
Bus driver referred to Singapore Customs
The exhibits and suspect were referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation, according to ICA.
Source: ICA on Facebook
In the Facebook post, the agency added: “ICA is committed to facilitating trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and sound.”
ICA highlighted that contraband smuggling attempts have increased by roughly 30.6%, from 43,900 to 57,400, between 2024 and 2025.
Strict penalties for duty-unpaid cigarettes
Under the Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing, or dealing in duty-unpaid cigarettes are serious offences.
Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, jailed for up to six years, or both.
Also read: 30.6% increase in foiled contraband smuggling attempts in 2025, ICA seized over 350,000 vapes
30.6% increase in foiled contraband smuggling attempts in 2025, ICA seized over 350,000 vapes
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.
