The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) seized 1,233 packets of contraband cigarettes totaling $12,300 on July 23, Friday.

The potential customs duty and Goods and Service Tax (GST) payable amounted to about $8,680 and $780 respectively.

According to the ICA, the driver, 37, had brought his family along to divert officers' attention, hoping they will not subject his family to extensive security checks.

At about 8.20pm, the Malaysia-registered car was stopped at the Woodlands checkpoint for a routine check.

The Chinese Malaysian driver, his wife and his three young children (aged between one and six years), were asked to leave their car to facilitate security checks.

Upon inspection, officers at the checkpoint discovered cartons of duty unpaid cigarettes stashed in a modified fuel tank of the vehicle, within the rear door panels and a modified floorboard of the car.

Photos: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Preliminary investigations revealed the man had consented to the illicit deal as he owed loan sharks about $12,800.

His car was subsequently taken away by the loan sharks and returned to him, loaded with the contraband cigarettes.

He was promised about $200 for the delivery.

The driver, contraband cigarettes and vehicle were all handed over to the Singapore Customs for investigation.