A cleaner selling duty-unpaid cigarettes in Yishun was arrested and jailed for eight months after Singapore Customs officers conducted a surveillance operation to stamp out illegal cigarette peddling in the area.

On 23 Jan 09, officers observed a rubbish collection cart at Block 257 Yishun Ring Road. They saw people approaching the cleaner operating the cart. The cleaner was seen retrieving items from a bag and giving them to the people who approached him.

The officers trailed the man to the rubbish collection centre. They then identified themselves and conducted a check. 581 packets of contraband cigarettes were seized from the battery-operated cart and in a cabinet in the store room.

The officers also found $697.40 in cash. Investigations showed that the money came from selling duty-unpaid cigarettes for the past week. The man was arrested and charged in court.

Singapore Customs warns that buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with contraband cigarettes are serious offences under the Customs and GST Acts.

Stiff penalties are imposed for such offences. On conviction, offenders can be jailed as well as fined. The public are strongly advised not to smoke or buy duty-unpaid cigarettes. For possessing a packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes, an offender may face a minimum fine of $500 or prosecution in court.