3 Chinese men, aged 19-23, & a S'porean woman, 34, arrested over buying duty-unpaid cigarettes online

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3 Chinese men, aged 19-23, & a S'porean woman, 34, arrested over buying duty-unpaid cigarettes online​

They were arrested during a two-day islandwide operation.



Gracia Yap

March 25, 2026, 10:44 AM​

A total of four people, who bought duty-unpaid cigarettes online, were arrested by Singapore Customs during a two-day islandwide operation on Mar. 10 and 11, 2026.

They include three male Chinese nationals aged between 19 and 23, according to a Mar. 24 Singapore Customs Facebook post.

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One of the men was a tertiary student, while the other two were post-graduate students,

The fourth individual to be arrested was a 34-year-old Singaporean woman.

In addition, a 40-year-old male Chinese national is assisting with investigations.

Charged, cigarettes seized​

Following the operation, three offenders have been charged in the State Courts and investigations are ongoing for the other two persons.

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More than 87 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized and the total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about S$11,400.

The post added that investigations by Singapore Customs revealed that all five persons had allegedly bought the duty-unpaid cigarettes from various overseas sellers via social media platforms.

The goods were packed in parcels and shipped to the buyers.

The operation was launched following a referral from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

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Penalties​

According to the post, offenders convicted of buying, selling, storing or consuming duty-unpaid cigarettes can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/ or jailed for up to six years.

Foreign students may also have their student passes revoked.

Members of the public may report illegal activities online.

Top photos via Singapore Customs/Facebook
https://bit.Iy/3qgqzHg

 

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