Man, 21, arrested after cigarettes found smuggled into S'pore in stuffed toys

Three Chinese nationals faced enforcement action after seven parcels of cigarettes were found to have been smuggled inside plush toys brought into Singapore.

This discovery was made during a two-day operation from Oct. 22 to 23, Singapore Customs said in a Facebook post.

During the crackdown, customs officers found seven parcels of cigarettes concealed in plush toys that were declared as “decorations”.

Officers seized 115 packets and 19 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes in total, which accounted for an estimated S$1,279 in duties and GST evaded.

Enforcement action taken against three student pass holders

A 21-year-old Chinese national was arrested at Tao Ching Road with 70 packets of cigarettes in four parcels.

He allegedly received these on behalf of a friend overseas, who told him to either deliver the items or arrange for buyers in Singapore to collect them.

He was charged in court on Oct. 25.

The other three parcels were imported by two other Chinese nationals, aged 22 and 28.

They were issued composition sums of S$3,000 and S$2,500.

All three men are student pass holders.

The agency reminded the public to stay vigilant against smuggling attempts which undermine the integrity of Singapore's tax system.

Those who spot suspicious activities can reach out to Singapore Customs.

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Top image from Singapore Customs/Facebook