SINGAPORE - Officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) seized contraband cigarettes from a driver at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Sunday (Sept 8).
A total of 412 cartons and 640 packets of contraband cigarettes were concealed within the compartment of the car driven by the 27-year-old man.
Officers conducted the security inspection after observing anomalies in the modified undercarriage compartment and right rear side door panel of the car.
The suspect, a Malaysian national, was referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
ICA said that the Malaysia-registered car used to commit the offence could be forfeited.
"This method of concealment is a cause for concern as similar methods may be used by people with ill intent to smuggle security items into Singapore," ICA said.
A spokesman for Singapore Customs said that the total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded was about $40,650 and $2,990.