$30,000 Pokemon Card Haul Seized at Singapore Airport

On October 10th, 2025, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority at Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 1 made a notable discovery during a routine baggage inspection. The incident involved a 25-year-old male Singaporean citizen who was selected for a standard screening procedure.

According to the official report, the authorities directed the traveller to the baggage screening area and explicitly asked him if he had any items that required declaration. The man stated that he had nothing to declare to the officers. Proceeding with the inspection, the personnel conducted a thorough check of his luggage. This detailed examination revealed a large quantity of assorted Pokemon trading cards within his belongings.

The total estimated value of the seized trading card collection was reported to be in excess of thirty thousand dollars. Due to the significant value of the goods and the failure to declare them upon entry into Singapore, the case was immediately handed over to Singapore Customs for a full and detailed investigation.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority used this incident to issue a reminder to all travellers entering the country. They emphasized the importance of declaring all items purchased overseas that exceed the duty-free concession and Goods and Services Tax relief limits. Travellers are legally required to declare such items and pay the applicable duty and GST. The authority advised that if individuals are uncertain about whether their goods require declaration, the safest course of action is to make a declaration at the Red Channel or visit the Singapore Customs Tax Payment office for clarification.

This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of the border agency, which describes itself as a guardian of the nation's borders. Their stated commitment is to maintain the safety and security of Singapore's borders while simultaneously ensuring the smooth facilitation of legitimate trade and travel. The case of the undeclared trading cards demonstrates the vigilance exercised at checkpoints to prevent the undeclared movement of high-value goods, regardless of their nature.

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