A sizeable haul of duty-unpaid cigarettes was seized from a Singapore-registered car at Woodlands Checkpoint last Friday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a press release.

The car was stopped by ICA officers when it arrived at the checkpoint at about 3.30pm, and directed for further checks. Cigarettes were later found hidden in several locations, including the car's engine compartment, front and rear bumpers, dashboard and rear-door panels.

A 44-year-old Singaporean man, who was the driver, along with the vehicle, was handed over to the Singapore Customs for further investigations.

ICA said in its statement yesterday that a total of 322 cartons and 879 packets of cigarettes were seized. The potential duty and goods and services tax of the haul amounted to about $34,360 and $2,530 respectively.

ICA reiterated its commitment to conducting security checks at checkpoints to "prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband".

It added: "The same methods of concealment... may be used by terrorists to smuggle arms and explosives to carry out attacks in Singapore."