YEARS of combating the problem of contraband cigarettes seem to be paying off - the overall number of buyers, sellers and smugglers caught has registered the first dip since 2005.

The 20,306 offenders nabbed last year was 13 per cent lower than the 23,422 caught the previous year.

IN THE last two years, higher-end cars like Audis, BMWs, Mercedes Benzes, Volvos and Lexuses have been seen sporting the red number plates of off-peak cars.

THOSE aged below 21 and found guilty of offences such as drug abuse, assault and theft can be sent for reformative training rather than to a regular prison.