Over $800,000 in duties and taxes evaded as 4,480 cartons and 35,838 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized

In two separate operations conducted by Singapore Customs on 31 July and 5 August 2024, a total of 4,480 cartons and 35,838 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized, amounting to approximately $873,889 in duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion.

In the first operation, which took place on 31 July at an industrial building on Woodlands Avenue 12, officers arrested four men outside a unit where duty-unpaid cigarettes were found concealed among a consignment of glass blocks.

The individuals arrested included a 38-year-old Singaporean and three Indian nationals aged 26, 29, and 39.

A 49-year-old Singaporean, suspected to be the coordinator of the smuggling operation, was subsequently apprehended near his residence.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,240 cartons and 17,918 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, as well as a truck believed to have been used for transportation.

According to investigations, the 49-year-old man had allegedly engaged the 38-year-old to transport the glass blocks containing duty-unpaid cigarettes to the industrial unit. He is also suspected of having instructed the 39-year-old man to enlist the help of the 26 and 29-year-old men to repack the duty-unpaid cigarettes into carton boxes.

A follow-up operation on 5 August at a warehouse located on Jurong Port Road uncovered another 2,240 cartons and 17,920 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, also hidden among glass blocks.
Court proceedings are currently ongoing against four of the men involved in the smuggling operation, while investigations continue for the 29-year-old man.

Singapore Customs has reiterated that the buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing, or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the GST Act.

Offenders can face fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or imprisonment for up to six years. Additionally, vehicles used in the commission of such offences are subject to forfeiture.

Members of the public with information on smuggling activities or evasion of duty or GST are encouraged to report it to Customs via this link.