Massive packages of contraband cigarettes and chewing tobacco failed to get into the hands of smokers in Singapore, courtesy of hawk-eyed Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers.
In the early morning of Oct 24, officers at Tuas checkpoint uncovered a total of 2,750 cartons of contraband cigarettes concealed in modified compartments of a Malaysia-registered bus. They were hidden underneath the vehicle, underneath rear passenger seats, modified air-conditioner ducts and a modified baggage compartment. The 30-year-old Malaysian driver has since been sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Smugglers were undaunted — the very next day another Malaysia-registered bus was found concealing illegal tobacco products. Officers found modifications inside the bus, including air conditioning ducts and speakers hiding over 581 cartons of contraband cigarettes and 25,178 sachets of chewing tobacco.
In total, 3,331 cartons and 6 packets of contraband cigarettes as well as 226.6kg of chewing tobacco were seized.
Photo: ICA newsroom
