Two Singaporean men were foiled in their attempt to smuggle in spotted doves and adorable sugar gliders from Malaysia.
On Tuesday night, officers at Tuas Checkpoint uncovered two bird cages each containing a live spotted dove, which were hidden in the gap between the rear bumper and the car boot. Further inspections unveiled that three sugar gliders were actually hidden in a pouch placed behind the glove compartment.
The 20-year-old driver and his 44-year-old companion are currently under investigation for illegal import of animals — which could land them a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to a year.
The critters have since been seized by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority. Of recent years, sugar gliders have become a popular choice of exotic pets, especially in Malaysia where they are openly being sold in pet shops.
Photo: David K via Flickr; ICA newsroom
