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Singaporean and Indian National Arrested in Largest Inland Contraband Cigarette Bust

 



Singapore Customs announced a major victory against tax evasion on December 8, 2025, confirming the seizure of the largest inland haul of contraband cigarettes to date for the year. The operation, conducted over two days, resulted in the seizure of a total of 17,279 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and a van, with the total duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded exceeding $1.87 million. Four men, one Singaporean and three Indian nationals were arrested in connection with the large-scale smuggling activities.

The enforcement operations were mounted on November 30 and December 1, 2025, at two separate locations: Pandan Loop and Jurong Port Road.

The first operation took place on November 30, 2025, at an industrial building in Pandan Loop. Customs officers observed a Singapore-registered van reversing into a loading and unloading bay. Three men were seen loading brown boxes into the vehicle's cargo compartment. Officers quickly moved in, conducted a check, and initially uncovered 2,400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes inside the van.

Following further questioning, the arrested men led the officers to a unit within the industrial building where an additional 3,195 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were discovered. The individuals arrested at Pandan Loop included the 27-year-old Singaporean man who was driving the van, and three male Indian nationals, aged 30, 36, and 39. This initial haul resulted in the seizure of the van and a total of 5,595 cartons of contraband cigarettes.

Based on information gathered during the first raid, a follow-up operation was quickly initiated on December 1, 2025, at a warehouse located on Jurong Port Road. In this second location, Customs officers successfully found and seized another substantial cache of 11,684 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes that were stored on the premises.

Court proceedings are currently ongoing against all four men arrested.

A Singapore Customs spokesperson commented on the successful bust, stating, "This case underscores Singapore Customs’ steadfast commitment to detecting and deterring tax evasion. With our robust and decisive enforcement, all offenders caught will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law." The spokesperson also urged the public to support their efforts by reporting any suspicious activities.

Singapore Customs reiterated the serious nature of the offense. Under the Customs Act and the GST Act, serious offences include buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing or dealing in duty-unpaid goods. Offenders convicted of these crimes face severe penalties, which include a fine of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or a jail term of up to six years. Furthermore, any vehicles used in the commission of such offences are subject to forfeiture. This significant seizure reinforces the agency's commitment to protecting revenue and enforcing strict compliance with customs regulations, especially amidst the vigilance required during the year-end holidays and festivities.

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