SINGAPORE: On Oct 17, 2025, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at Tuas Checkpoint were able to stop an elaborate smuggling attempt when they discovered 4,000 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes cleverly hidden among boxes of perfumes and knitted garments in a Malaysia-registered lorry.
According to ICA’s Facebook post, the lorry caught officers’ attention when its scanned images showed several irregularities. Acting on an alert from ICA’s Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC), which uses data analytics to flag high-risk consignments, officers directed the vehicle for enhanced inspection.
A closer look revealed what was really packed inside; behind layers of seemingly innocuous goods, officers uncovered a massive stash of duty-unpaid cigarettes, tightly concealed to evade detection. The 28-year-old Malaysian driver was then detained, and both the contraband and the lorry were handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigations.
In its post, the ICA reiterated its commitment to keeping Singapore’s borders secure, stressing that even with the high volume of goods crossing daily, officers remain ever-alert to such attempts to sneak illicit items into the country.
Netizens react: “Well done, ICA officers!”
The post quickly drew reactions from netizens on Facebook, ranging from a mix of curiosity, praise, and stern opinions about how smugglers should be dealt with. One user asked pointedly, “What are ICA going to do with the vehicles? Return them back?” — a comment that highlights how netizens are wondering about the fate of seized lorries and whether the owners face penalties.
Others took the chance to show appreciation for ICA’s sharp-eyed officers. “Well done, ICA officers!” one comment read, echoed by fellow Singaporeans who praised the team’s vigilance and swift action.
Still, some reactions were more fiery. One commenter demanded harsh punishment for those involved: “Give minimum 10 years jail and 20 strokes of cane.” While sentencing is up to the courts, the comment reflected a widespread public sentiment that smuggling — especially on such a scale — shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The discovery will hopefully remind people of the complex smuggling tactics used at Singapore’s borders, and the crucial role ICA plays in intercepting them. With another successful bust under their belt after this operation, ICA officers have once again proven their commitment to be Guardians of Our Borders.
In related news, the ICA also foiled a recent attempt to smuggle Kratom, which is a plant-based substance, at Tuas Checkpoint. This liquid contains components that are classified as Class A controlled substances in Singapore.
For more information, read the news here: ICA officers foil attempt to smuggle suspected Kratom liquid into Singapore at Tuas Checkpoint
