ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
The
anti-contraband cigarettes campaign was first launched in 2009. It
is a public awareness campaign intended to educate the general
public about the penalties and dangers in dabbling with illegal
cigarettes. It also aims to increase awareness about the issue,
with a series of community road shows to inculcate a greater sense
of civic responsibility.
This year, the campaign has adopted the tagline, "1 IS ALL IT
TAKES" to warn people about the dangers of dealing with just one
stick of illegal cigarette.
Being in possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes is a crime punishable
by law.
Buying, selling,
conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or
dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the
Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act.
You can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty
evaded, and/or jailed for up to six years.
The minimum
court fine for first-time and repeat offenders of tobacco-related
offences have been raised to $2,000 and $4,000
respectively.
Repeat offenders who are caught with more than two
kilogrammes of tobacco products will also face mandatory
imprisonment. Vehicles used in the commission of such offences are
also liable to be forfeited.
Protect your family and community from illegal
cigarettes trade
Illegal
cigarette activities threaten the safety of your loved ones. Do not
allow your neighbourhood to become the nesting ground for criminal
activities. Keep the community safe by reporting the trade of
illegal cigarettes.
