More than 93,000 cases of contraband smuggling last year
More than 93,000 cases of contraband smuggling were detected by authorities last year, according to the annual statistics report by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
This was a 6 per cent drop from the 99,700 cases in 2013, stated the report which was released on Tuesday (Jan 27).
|
Number of contraband smuggling cases |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 93,380 | |
| 2013 | 99,700 | |
| 2012 | 80,200 | |
Online purchases have become increasingly popular, but some buyers have been purchasing prohibited items online and getting them delivered by post to avoid detection, stated the report.
"ICA does not condone such smuggling attempts. All cases detected will be referred to the relevant agencies for investigations. Those found guilty will face stiff penalties," it said.
Here are some of the 'creative' methods people have employed.
When: Dec 4, 2014
What: ICA officers at the Parcel Post Section found a suspicious parcel which had arrived from a neighbouring country and was declared to contain books. Drugs were found in a lock-safe box disguised as a book.
When: Oct 8, 2014
What: ICA officers stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry at Tuas Checkpoint for a routine check. The lorry was declared to be transporting clothes and thermal paper. Officers found 5,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes.
When: Dec 18, 2014
What: Drugs were found hidden at the back portion of the driver’s seat of a Malaysia-registered car at Woodlands Checkpoint.
Photos: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now