Fall in supply of illegal cigarettes

THERE was a significant drop in the number of contraband cigarettes seized in 2009 compared to 2008.
Singapore Customs (SC) seized 2.9 million duty-unpaid cigarettes in 2009 - almost 40 per cent less than the 4.6 million in 2008.
SC also observed that syndicates distributing contraband cigarettes had to resort to more elaborate and cunning methods of concealing their contraband goods.
These syndicates also brought in smaller quantities of illegal cigarette supplies to minimise chances of detection.
This was a stark contrast to tactics used in 2008.
Examples of more elaborate methods of concealment encountered in 2009 include hiding the illegal goods within plastic film rolls and cementing pockets of cigarettes into concrete slabs.
In 2009, SC successfully crippled three major contraband cigarettes smuggling syndicates - two in January 2009 and one in December 2009.
Thirteen members from these groups were arrested and prosecuted.
The eradication of the larger players in the black market resulted in a cut in illegal cigarette supplies to the local market.
The price difference between legitimate cigarettes and duty-unpaid cigarettes in the region remain high, and so international syndicates still find it lucrative to take advantage of the large price gaps to continue illegal distribution of contraband cigarettes to Singapore.
SC says it will maintain its vigilance and continue with enforcement efforts to eradicate such organised crimes.