But record 23,800 cases foiled this year
Jump to full article: Straits Times (sg), 2009-08-08
Author: Teh Joo Lin
Intro: SMUGGLERS are adapting their methods to elude the border authorities. From hiding contraband in broken-down buses being towed across the Causeway to concealing cigarette cartons within concrete slabs, smugglers these days are a different breed from those of old who simply stowed the stash in makeshift vehicle compartments, for example.
The observation on their modus operandi came as officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) thwarted a record number of smuggling attempts in the first half of this year.
The 23,800 smuggling cases - which included weapons, cigarettes and animals - were the highest number handled by the officers since the ICA was set up in 2003. The figure also represented a 35 per cent spike from the 17,700 cases the ICA detected in the first six months last year.
The ICA credited the spike to the skill and vigilance of its officers, and the deployment of technology like its X-ray screening systems in detecting the contraband items.
In releasing the figures on Friday, ICA Commissioner Eric Tan, said: 'While these ingenious disguises usually involve contraband cigarettes today, we are mindful that other more sinister persons or items may similarly attempt to get into the Republic.' The ICA noted how smugglers have become more 'deceptive'.
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