S'pore Customs seizes over 17,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes, worth S$1.87 million in duties & GST

Singapore Customs has seized a total of 17,279 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and a van in its largest inland haul of 2025.

According to a Singapore Customs media release, this haul saw the total duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST) involved exceeding S$1.87 million.

The seizure was conducted via two enforcement operations on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Pandan Loop and Jurong Port Road.

One male Singaporean and three male Indian nationals were arrested.

First operation

This comes after Customs officers conducted an operation at an industrial building at Pandan Loop on Nov. 30.

The officers observed a Singapore‑registered van reversing into a loading and unloading bay.

They also saw three men subsequently loading brown boxes into the vehicle's cargo compartment.

The officers checked and uncovered 2,400 cartons of duty‑unpaid cigarettes in the van.

After further questioning, the men led officers to a unit in the industrial building.

Another 3,195 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were then found.

The 27-year-old Singaporean man, who was driving the van, as well as the three Indian nationals aged 30, 36 and 39 were arrested.

The van and a total of 5,595 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized.

Follow-up operation

A follow-up operation was then conducted based on information gathered.

On Dec. 1 at a warehouse at Jurong Port Road, Customs officers found and seized another 11,684 cartons of duty unpaid cigarettes stored on the premises.

Penalties

Following their arrests, court proceedings are ongoing against all four men.

Under the Customs Act and the GST Act, buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing or dealing in duty-unpaid goods are serious offences.

Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine of up to 40 times the amount of of duty and GST evaded and/or up to six years' jail.

Vehicles used in committing such offences are also subject to forfeiture.

Members of public with information on smuggling activities or duty or GST evasion can report it to Customs at https://go.gov.sg/reportcustomsoffence.

Top photos via Singapore Customs media release