Skip to main content

3 Malaysians Arrested for Smuggling 7,500 Cartons of Duty-Unpaid Cigarettes

 




On June 10, 2025, Singapore Customs carried out a major enforcement operation at Gul Drive and seized 7,500 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The operation led to the arrest of three Malaysian men aged 40, 30, and 24. The estimated amount of duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded from this operation is approximately $812,384.

Singapore Customs officers had observed suspicious activity at the location involving two Malaysian-registered vehicles. The officers saw three individuals transferring brown boxes between a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and a prime mover with an attached trailer. Upon conducting checks, the officers discovered 7,400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed within the trailer of the prime mover and an additional 100 cartons inside the MPV.

All three men were arrested at the scene. Both the prime mover and the MPV, along with the illicit goods, were seized by authorities. Further investigations revealed that the two vehicles had entered Singapore separately before the illegal transfer operation took place.

It was discovered that the 30-year-old suspect had driven the prime mover from Malaysia, and the duty-unpaid cigarettes were hidden among boxes labelled as coffee products. The 24-year-old suspect was allegedly helping to transfer the illegal cartons to the MPV, while the 40-year-old suspect was believed to be responsible for delivering the contraband to various customers within Singapore. All three individuals are believed to have been recruited by unknown parties based in Malaysia.

Court proceedings against the three suspects are currently ongoing.

Singapore Customs has emphasised that under both the Customs Act and the GST Act, dealing in duty-unpaid goods is a serious offence. Offences include buying, selling, transporting, delivering, storing, or possessing duty-unpaid goods. Individuals found guilty of such offences may face fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded. They may also face imprisonment for up to six years. Furthermore, any vehicle used in the commission of such offences is liable for forfeiture.

This case underscores Singapore Customs' continued vigilance and commitment to combat tax evasion and illicit smuggling activities that pose a threat to public revenue. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance stance and reminded members of the public to report any suspected smuggling or tax evasion activities. Reports can be submitted via the official Customs online platform at https://go.gov.sg/reportcustomsoffence.

The success of this operation is credited to the observant actions of Singapore Customs officers and the swift response to the suspicious transfer of goods. Authorities have warned that more coordinated enforcement efforts are underway to deter future smuggling attempts and dismantle illicit syndicates operating across borders.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...
1 comment
Read more