Singapore Customs announced on Monday (Dec 8) that it has seized contraband cigarettes involving unpaid duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) worth over S$1.87 million (US$1.44 million). This marks the largest inland haul of contraband cigarettes in Singapore so far this year.
The seizures took place during two separate enforcement operations on November 30 and December 1 at Pandan Loop and Jurong Port Road. Authorities confiscated a total of 17,279 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and a van used in transporting them.
Arrests Made During Operations
A 27-year-old Singaporean man and three Indian nationals aged between 30 and 39 were arrested in connection with the contraband haul.
During the first operation at an industrial building in Pandan Loop, Customs officers observed a Singapore-registered van reversing into a loading bay while three men moved brown boxes into the vehicle. A check revealed 2,400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in the van, which was being driven by the Singaporean man.
After further questioning, the men led officers to a unit in the same building where an additional 3,195 cartons were discovered. “Based on information gathered, a follow-up operation was conducted on Dec 1, 2025, at a warehouse at Jurong Port Road,” Customs stated. “Customs officers found and seized another 11,684 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes stored on the premises.”
“This case underscores Singapore Customs’ steadfast commitment to detecting and deterring tax evasion. With our robust and decisive enforcement, all offenders caught will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” said a spokesperson for the agency. The spokesperson also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to support Customs’ efforts.
Legal Consequences
Under the Customs Act and the GST Act, anyone convicted of dealing with duty-unpaid goods may face fines of up to 40 times the amount of duty, and GST evaded, or imprisonment for up to six years, or both. Vehicles used in committing such offences may also be forfeited.
