Over 400 packs of untaxed cigarettes were hidden in a motorcycle in an attempt to cross into Singapore, resulting in the arrest of a 34-year-old Malaysian woman.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) posted on Facebook on the 4th, stating that authorities uncovered a cigarette smuggling case at Tuas Checkpoint on the 26th of last month. A Malaysia-registered motorcycle attempted to smuggle untaxed cigarettes into the country.
On that day, ICA's search and inspection officers, acting on intelligence provided by the Integrated Targeting Operations Centre, instructed a 34-year-old Malaysian female rider to undergo further checks. Officers subsequently discovered more than 400 packs of untaxed cigarettes hidden in various concealed compartments and sections of the motorcycle.
According to photos provided by the authorities, it is believed that the motorcycle had been modified, with the smuggled cigarettes hidden in the front and on both sides of the vehicle. The female rider was arrested, and she and the seized evidence were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
The ICA emphasized that while the authorities are committed to facilitating trade and clearance, they are also determined to uphold the security of Singapore's borders.