Malaysian man nabbed at Woodlands Checkpoint with over 400 packs of duty-unpaid cigarettes

A 32-year-old Malaysian was arrested following an attempt to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore via a Malaysia-registered motorcycle on Sept 30.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a Facebook post on Oct 2 that its officers had directed the vehicle for enhanced checks based on information received by its Integrated Targeting Centre.

More than 400 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were subsequently found and removed from the side fairings of the motorbike.

A video on the ICA's Facebook page shows its officers removing the cigarette packs from black plastic bags and black boxes concealed in various parts of the motorcycle.

The ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre uses data analytics to assess travellers, conveyances and cargo before they reach Singapore. Those deemed to be of higher risk are flagged for checks upon arrival. The case has been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation, said ICA.

The Straits Times has contacted ICA and Singapore Customs for more information.