3,600 Cartons of Illegal Cigarettes Seized in Singapore

Singapore Customs successfully disrupted an attempt to distribute duty-unpaid cigarettes, arresting three individuals and seizing 3,600 cartons of contraband cigarettes in operations conducted on March 1, 2025. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded in this case amounted to approximately $389,944. Officers also seized two vans used in the smuggling operation and $19,000 in suspected illegal proceeds.

As part of efforts to combat illicit activities involving duty-unpaid goods, Customs officers conducted an operation at a car park along Upper Serangoon Road, where they observed two men approaching two parked vans. Upon inspecting the vehicles, officers found that each van contained 1,800 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The two men, both Malaysian nationals aged 36 and 45, were immediately arrested.

Following this operation, a follow-up raid was conducted at a residence in Segar Road, where a 37-year-old Singaporean man was arrested. A search of the premises led to the discovery of $19,000 in cash stored in a safe, suspected to be proceeds from the illegal cigarette sales. Preliminary investigations revealed that the two Malaysians allegedly found the job of delivering duty-unpaid cigarettes through social media and received instructions from the Singaporean man. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the operation and any possible links to larger smuggling networks.

Under the Customs Act and GST Act, dealing with duty-unpaid goods is a serious offense. Individuals caught buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, or possessing such goods can face fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and may also be sentenced to jail for up to six years. In addition, vehicles used in committing the offense and any illegal proceeds are subject to forfeiture.

Authorities continue to monitor and clamp down on tax evasion activities, urging the public to report any suspected smuggling operations. They have reiterated the importance of strict enforcement to deter individuals from engaging in such illegal activities.

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