Singapore Customs conducted an operation on 20th December 2023 at a carpark in Yishun Avenue 5, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat illegal cigarette activities.
During the operation, officers witnessed a man opening the door of a van suspected to contain duty-unpaid cigarettes.
Upon further investigation, a staggering total of 2,900 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were discovered packed inside brown boxes, stored within the cargo compartment of the van. Subsequently, it was revealed that the man had been allegedly hired by an unidentified individual to collect and transport these illicit goods.
The 31-year-old male Singaporean was promptly arrested, and the large haul of duty-unpaid cigarettes was seized, according to the press release.
The total value of duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded in this operation amounted to approximately $342,134. Court proceedings for the case are currently underway.
It is important to note that buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing, or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are considered grave offenses under the Customs Act and the GST Act.
Individuals found guilty can face hefty fines, reaching up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, as well as imprisonment for a maximum of six years.
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