SINGAPORE: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 13,000 cartons of illicit cigarettes concealed in a Malaysia-registered lorry, at its Tuas Checkpoint, here on Dec 21.
The seizure marked ICA's largest seizure of illicit cigarettes detected at the republic's land checkpoints throughout 2023.
The smuggling attempt was uncovered after the lorry was subjected to scrutiny, revealing the contraband which was hidden inside rolls of packing tapes.
The republic's Customs Department is tracing the origins of the illicit cargo, while identifying the syndicate responsible and ascertaining the potential ramifications of the contraband.
Meanwhile, in a joint operation between the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and ICA, 160kg of imported vegetables, fruits, and processed food from Malaysia were seized.
The operation between Jan 19 and 20, targeted delivery trucks, believed to be ferrying the illegally-imported produce.
ICA officers stationed at the Woodlands Checkpoint flagged a truck due to discrepancies in its consignment.
Upon checking the vehicle, the officers uncovered undeclared and under-declared produce, including spring onions, cabbage, bean curd, and peeled garlic.
The goods were imported by two suspects without proper declarations, which led to its seizure.
In Singapore, stringent requirements set by SFA must be met by all food importers, a regulation aimed at avoiding potential food safety risks.
Singapore mandates that food imports must be handled by licensed importers, with each consignment duly declared and accompanied by a valid import permit.
Offenders found guilty of illegally importing fresh fruits and vegetables face a maximum fine of $10,000 (RM35, 313) and a jail term of up to three years.
Those found illegally importing processed vegetables may be liable for fines up to $2,000 (RM7,063) and offenders dealing with processed food may face fines up to $2,000 on subsequent convictions.
