SINGAPORE: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) intercepted three attempts to smuggle in 1,000 packs of unpaid duties cigarettes via Woodlands Checkpoint.
Its officers stationed at the checkpoint inspected three motorcycles after routine scans detected anomalies.
ICA uploaded a video on its Facebook page of the Sept 28 seizure on Thursday.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the motorcyclists had concealed the contraband cigarettes within various parts of their motorcycles.
The first machine concealed 220 packs, the second 380 packs, and the third 400 packs of the illegally imported cigarettes.
Despite attempts to flee, the third suspected smuggler was pursued and apprehended by ICA officers.
The suspects and the confiscated cigarettes were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation and legal proceedings.
On Jan 18, ICA confiscated 12,708 cartons of unpaid duties cigarettes at the Tuas Checkpoint, making it the republic's largest haul of contraband cigarettes this year.
Those found guilty of buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing, or dealing with contraband goods, faces severe penalties, including fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty and goods and services tax evaded, and an imprisonment term up to six years, or both.
