Illegal immigrants peddling contraband cigarettes @ Petir Road nabbed

After months of selling, finally Customs officer took action.

Singapore Customs, police and immigration carried out two raids to flush out illegal immigrants peddling contraband cigarettes in the vicinity of the Yew Tee Industrial estate and along Petir Road on Wednesday night. The two-hour joint operation from 10 pm to 12 midnight led to the arrest of 10 immigration offenders, as well as seizures of 611 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.

The duty and GST payable on the contraband cigarettes amounted to $4,893.92.

A joint statement issued by the Singapore Customs, Police Force and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on Thursday said four illegal immigrants were caught in the Yew Tee raid. Also seized were 368 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.

In the Petir Road raid, another six men - three illegal immigrants and three overstayers - were nabbed, along with 199 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized. One of the overstayers was also found to have 44 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.

Singapore Customs warns that buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with contraband cigarettes are serious offences under the Customs and GST Acts, which carry stiff penalties.

On conviction by the court, offenders can be jailed as well as fined. The vehicles used in the commission of the offence are also liable to forfeiture. The public are also advised against buying duty-unpaid cigarettes. For a packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes, buyers stand to face a minimum fine of $500 or prosecution in court.

Members of the public with information on smuggling activities may contact the Singapore Customs Intelligence Hotline on 1800-2330000 or email to customs_intelligence@customs.gov.sg