Singapore ICA rip apart Malaysia-registered car’s bumpers, uncover over 190 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes; two Malaysians arrested

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers removing the front and rear bumpers of the Malaysia-registered car. — Picture courtesy of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 12:27 PM MYT

Last Modified: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 12:29 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers took out tools to take apart a Malaysia-registered car’s front and rear bumpers during an enhanced check at Woodlands Checkpoint.

In a series of photographs posted on its social media yesterday, ICA officers are seen pulling out the front and rear bumpers of the car.

Contraband cigarettes are also seen in the engine compartment of the car, with black thrash bags placed underneath it. 

ICA said its search and examination officers found more than 190 cartons and over 500 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in various modified compartments of the car.

More than 190 cartons and over 500 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were hidden in various modified compartments of the car. — Picture courtesy of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority

A 34-year-old male Malaysian driver and his 45-year-old male passenger were arrested and the case referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation. 

Buying, selling, conveying, possessing and dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. 

Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded, jailed for up to six years, or both. 

Vehicles used in these offences and proceeds from the sale of duty-unpaid goods may also be forfeited. — AsiaOne