Singapore seizes over 12,800 cartons of duty‑unpaid cigarettes at Tuas Checkpoint

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Singapore's Tuas Checkpoint intercepted a major cigarette smuggling operation on 22 July 2026, uncovering more than 12,800 cartons of duty‑unpaid cigarettes concealed in wooden crates inside a Malaysia‑registered lorry. The 31‑year‑old Malaysian driver was arrested and the seized goods were handed to Singapore Customs for investigation.

Earlier, on 4 August 2025, ICA also discovered more than 400 packets of duty‑unpaid cigarettes hidden in various compartments of a Malaysia‑registered motorcycle that attempted to enter Singapore. A 34‑year‑old Malaysian woman was arrested in connection with that attempt, and the case was likewise referred to Singapore Customs. Both incidents highlight a rise in contraband smuggling attempts, with authorities warning of severe penalties, including fines up to 40 times the evaded tax and imprisonment of up to six years.