3 arrested for attempting to smuggle immigration offender

SINGAPORE: Officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) foiled an attempt to smuggle an immigration offender out of Singapore.

On Thursday at about 1.15pm, ICA officers at the Woodlands Checkpoint directed a departing Malaysia—registered saloon car for a thorough check.

Both the driver and his co—driver were spotted behaving nervously as the officers examined the car.

Officers opened the car boot and found a woman crouching in there, sweating profusely.

The two Malaysian drivers, aged 21 and 22, together with the woman who claimed to be 34 years old and an Indian national, were immediately placed under arrest.

They are currently under investigation for the offences.

The vehicle they used has been detained and will be forfeited.

Under the Immigration Act, those who overstay or enter Singapore illegally can be sentenced to at least six months’ jail and at least three strokes of the cane.

The penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to S$2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

The ICA said it has tightened its security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband products.

— CNA/xq