In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, Singapore Customs officers seized a large haul of 2,900 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in an operation conducted in Yishun on December 20. The operation, which led to the arrest of a 31-year-old Singaporean man, resulted in the prevention of a GST evasion totaling $342,134.
Covert Operation Leads to Discovery
The successful operation unfolded in a car park at Yishun Avenue 5, where vigilant customs officers observed a man, later identified as the suspect, handling suspicious cargo. Upon inspection of a van the man was accessing, officers discovered numerous brown boxes within its cargo compartment. These boxes were found to be filled with duty-unpaid cigarettes, representing a significant breach of Singapore’s strict customs and excise laws.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigations
The 31-year-old Singaporean man was immediately apprehended at the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed his involvement in the collection and delivery of the contraband cigarettes, operating under instructions from an unidentified individual. Singapore Customs has since initiated legal proceedings against the man for his role in this illicit activity.
A Warning Against Duty-Unpaid Goods
This incident serves as a stern reminder of the severe repercussions of engaging in the trade of duty-unpaid goods in Singapore. Singapore Customs reiterated that activities such as buying, selling, possessing, or transporting such items are serious offences. Individuals found guilty of these crimes face harsh penalties, including fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, imprisonment for up to six years, or both.
The authority remains committed to clamping down on customs offences to protect Singapore’s economic and societal interests. This operation underscores their relentless efforts to combat illegal trade activities and enforce compliance with the nation’s stringent customs regulations.
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