Contraband cigarettes hidden among cartons of fruits
Posted: 07 May 2010 1612 hrs
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SINGAPORE : Officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have foiled an attempt to smuggle half a million dollars worth of cigarettes.
They uncovered the attempt on Thursday morning at the Woodlands Checkpoints.
The lorry was carrying a consignment of nearly 400 cartons of fresh oranges and apples. The cigarettes were hidden among the fruits.
ICA said the duty and GST payable on the cigarettes amounted to S$391,500.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the 40-year-old Malay driver had been instructed to park the lorry around Woodlands Centre and wait for a call from one "Ah Cheng" once he has obtained clearance.
The driver, contraband cigarettes, truck and cargo were handed over to the Singapore Customs for further investigations. - CNA / ls
