Singapore Customs seizes 3,500 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes, revealing an illegal operation.
A 17-year-old Singaporean male was apprehended by Singapore Customs during an operation in Yishun Street 42. The teenager, who was found driving without a valid license, was caught with 1,580 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and $5,857 in cash, believed to be profits from illegal sales.
Details of the Operation
Customs officers observed the teenager leaving the van and waiting near the passenger side, where another man approached. Acting on this, officers intervened and discovered the contraband in the van.
In a related operation on the same day in Yishun Avenue 1, another 1,920 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized from an unmanned van. Both vehicles and the illicit goods were confiscated, bringing the total duty and GST evaded to $425,390.
Legal Consequences
Under the Customs Act and GST Act, dealing with duty-unpaid goods is a serious offense. Penalties include:
Fines up to 40 times the evaded duty and GST.
Imprisonment of up to six years.
Forfeiture of vehicles and profits from illegal sales.
Ongoing Investigations
The arrested teenager has been referred to the Traffic Police for driving without a license, while the second individual is assisting with investigations.
Authorities urge the public to refrain from participating in or supporting the illegal trade of duty-unpaid goods.
