ICA foils attempt to smuggle birds into S'pore

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ICA foils attempt to smuggle birds into S'pore

By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 03 November 2011 1737 hrs

SINGAPORE : Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have thwarted plans by two men to smuggle birds into Singapore in their car boot compartment.

On Tuesday, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint inspected a Singapore-registered SUV's rear boot compartment which was partially covered by a piece of black cloth.

Upon removal, they discovered a loot of birds which included 250 Munia birds, 44 Mata Puteh birds and one Shama bird.

Upon questioning, the 38-year-old driver and his 40-year-old travel companion claimed they were bringing the birds in for religious purposes and not for commercial benefits.

They added that they had purchased the birds in Johor for RM1 each.

The case has been referred to the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations.

Travellers are not allowed to bring live animals, birds and insects into Singapore without a proper permit.

The importation of any animals or live birds without an AVA permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, which carries a maximum penalty of S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

- CNA/ms