August 22, 2019, 11:33 PM
A total of 1,127 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes have been found hidden in the tyres of two cars at Woodlands Checkpoint.
The two separate cases occurred over two days on Aug. 19 and 20, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Thursday, Aug. 22.Two Malaysian men, aged 19 and 35, were referred to Singapore Customs for investigations.
One Singapore-registered, one Malaysia-registered
The duty-unpaid cigarettes were found wrapped in plastic trunking and tape, and concealed within the tyres of the cars in both cases.
The Malaysia-registered car used to convey 542 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, detected on Aug. 20.
The Malaysia-registered car used to convey the 585 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, detected on Aug. 19.
Anomalies in the spare tyres and the scanned images of the cars were noticed leading to checks being conducted.
The Malaysia-registered car concealed 585 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
The Singapore-registered car had 542 packets hidden in it.
ICA said: "These methods of concealment are a cause for concern as similar methods may be used by people with ill-intent to smuggle security items into Singapore."
"The ICA will continue to conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles so as to safeguard Singapore’s security."
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