For illegally smuggling in 300 fresh duck eggs, 24kg of coriander and 5.5kg of meat products from Thailand, 24-year-old Pahoon Thanat was fined $6,800 in court yesterday (Aug 2), according to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).
After receiving a tip-off, the AVA searched a vehicle driven by Thanat at Peninsula Plaza and discovered the illegally imported food items. The products were subsequently seized and disposed of.
The import of food in Singapore is regulated for food safety and animal health reasons, said the AVA. Meat, eggs and their products are only allowed to be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that abide by Singapore’s food safety standards and requirements. Anyone who illegally imports food from unapproved sources can face a maximum fine of $50,000 and/or two years in jail, or both.
In a separate case, another man was fined $10,000 for smuggling ivory products into Singapore. Do Trong Hoang, 33, was stopped at Changi Airport upon arrival on Jul 14, and the AVA inspected his luggage after receiving a tip-off.
Two illegal ivory bird cage accessories and four illegal ivory bracelets were found in his possession, resulting in Do’s arrest and the police seizing the smuggled ivory products.
According to the AVA, it is an offence to illegally import or export, possess, sell, offer or advertise for sale or display any illegal wildlife species, including their parts and derivatives. This also applies to online sale. If convicted, offenders may face a fine of up to $500,000 and/or two years in jail.
