March 18, 2020, 06:44 PM
A 64-year-old Malaysian motorcyclist was caught trying to smuggle 12 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore from Malaysia.
To do so, he had concealed them in a bento box and his shoes.
Cigarettes concealed under rice in bento box
According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), who posted the update on Facebook on Wednesday, March 18, ICA officers uncovered the contraband cigarettes on March 15.
10 packs of cigarettes were found underneath a layer of rice in a bento box, while two more were found in his shoes.ICA said the case was referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Under the Customs Act, any person who fails to declare, or make an incorrect declaration of taxable goods, can be compounded up to $5,000, or charged in Court, depending on the severity of the offence.
"Cause for concern"
ICA added that this particular method of concealment is "a cause for concern as similar methods may be used by people with ill intent to smuggle security items into Singapore".
The border control agency also said it will continue to conduct security checks on passengers, goods and vehicles so as to safeguard Singapore's security.
Top image adapted via Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
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