ICA foils attempt to smuggle over 4,200 packets of chewing tobacco hidden in mattresses, pillows
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 4,200 packets of chewing tobacco into Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint on Oct 2. In a Facebook post on Friday (Oct 10), ICA said that the Malaysia-registered lorry was identified for enhanced checks and more than 4,200 packets of chewing tobacco were found concealed in its consignment of goods declared as mattresses, polyfoam pillows, and plastic sheet rolls. The 23-year-old male Malaysian driver was arrested and the case referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation. Chewing tobacco, which contains carcinogens, or chemicals known to cause cancer, is a prohibited substance in Singapore. If convicted, the driver can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both.On Sept 11, ICA officers foiled a similar attempt to smuggle prohibited items into Singapore via consignments of goods on a Malaysia-registered goods vehicle.