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Fewer illegal cigarettes seized
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 27 January 2012 2108 hrs
SINGAPORE: 1.9 million packets of contraband cigarettes were seized in Singapore last year, down 17 per cent compared to the previous year, marking a decline for the third consecutive year.
Latest figures from the Singapore Customs also showed the supply of legal cigarettes has gone up by 31.6 per cent since 2007.
The amount of duty collected from legal cigarettes went up by 4.6 per cent to S$917 million, compared to S$877 million in 2010.
Stepped-up enforcement by authorities has also led to more smokers buying legal duty-paid cigarettes.
But street demand for contraband cigarettes persisted in 2011.
The number of smokers caught buying illegal cigarettes rose 1.6 per cent last year to 5,977.
Singapore Customs Special Investigators deputy head Jeremy Lee said: "We recognise that the incidence of smokers has increased.
"But we have a view that publicity has created a greater awareness among the general population and hence, they have been switching to legitimate cigarettes.
"In addition, we have implemented the SDPC marking on cigarettes. This helps us to create a deterrent and psychological effect on these smokers.
The Singapore Customs said it noticed the presence of new illegal brands such as "Moon Mountain", which were sold at lower prices in the black market.
It warned the public that all "Moon Mountain" cigarettes are illegal in Singapore.
- CNA/wk
