Multi-agency sweep at Singapore checkpoints catches 60 undeclared-goods violators and seven cash-smuggling cases
A week-long operation by Singapore Police, ICA and Customs caught 60 travelers failing to declare goods and seven others attempting to bring in cash over S$20,000 without declaration.
Between 22 and 28 September, Singapore Police Force, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Customs jointly inspected about 13,000 travellers, 350 vehicles and over 14,000 pieces of luggage at land, air and sea checkpoints. The operation uncovered 60 individuals who failed to declare cigarettes, tobacco, liquor beyond duty-free limits and other items such as mooncakes, birthday cakes and a money bouquet, resulting in S$7,810 of evaded duty and GST and S$17,705 in composition fines.
In a separate breach, seven foreign travellers attempted to bring cash exceeding S$20,000, with amounts ranging from S$23,800 to S$51,000, prompting two warnings, three fines totalling S$13,000 and the seizure of the remaining cash for further inquiry. Penalties for duty or GST evasion can reach up to 20 times the amount evaded and include up to one year imprisonment. Authorities reminded travellers to submit declarations online, via the MyICA app or at kiosks, and noted that non-compliant tobacco products will be destroyed. The agencies said the crackdown reinforces Singapore’s border security and leverages technology and data analytics for detection.
