The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uncovered two separate cases of suspected smuggling at Woodlands Checkpoint over two days last week, with the contraband stopped from entering Singapore in two motorcycles.
In total, more than 120 e-vaporisers and more than 25 cartons and 60 packets of cigarettes were seized, said ICA in a Facebook post on Thursday (13 Aug).
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The first incident took place on 3 Aug, ICA said.
That day, the first motorcycle, which had a Malaysian licence plate, attempted to enter Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint.
However, ICA Search & Examination officers directed it to undergo enhanced checks.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The inspection uncovered more than 60 vapes and related components, as well as more than 30 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
They were hidden in the motorcycle’s motor storage box.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
A 46-year-old Malaysian man was arrested in connection with the suspected attempt to smuggle the items into Singapore.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The items and the suspect were referred to Singapore Customs and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The next day (4 Aug), a Singapore-registered motorcycle attempted to enter Singapore, also at the Causeway.
Similarly, it was directed for enhanced checks by ICA Search & Examination officers.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The ensuing inspection turned up more than 60 vapes, along with more than 25 cartons and 30 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
They were found under the motorcycle’s seat and also in its motor storage box.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
A 51-year-old Singaporean man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle the items into Singapore.
The items and the man were likewise referred to Singapore Customs and HSA.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
In the Facebook post, ICA affirmed its mission to facilitate trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA) — which came into force on 1 May — those found in possession of or using vapes can be fined up to S$10,000.
Those caught importing vapes will face up to nine years in prison and a fine of up to S$300,000, according to the TVCA, which was renamed from the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993.
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.
Those convicted of offences involving duty-unpaid goods can be fined up to 40 times the amount of tax evaded and/or jailed for up to six years.
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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.