Singapore Customs said 10 suspects were nabbed and 611 packs of contraband cigarettes confiscated during the sweeps, which lasted about two hours.

The officers, estimated at 50 strong, swung into action along Woodlands Road before they shifted to Petir Road.

Both areas are well-known spots where illegal cigarette peddlers park by the roadside and wave packs of contraband at motorists.

By 1am yesterday, they had been cleared off the road.

The raids came three days after The Sunday Times exposed the forest hideouts of bands of Indonesians who sold contraband in the area.

FULL REPORT