Authorities discovered a large shipment of illicit cigarettes at the Changi Free Trade Zone that were falsely declared for transhipment to Mexico.
Key facts
- •Singapore Customs seized 81,750 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes.
- •The shipment was discovered at the Changi Free Trade Zone on June 9.
- •The goods were falsely declared as cigarettes destined for Mexico.
- •Trademark proprietors confirmed the products were counterfeit after an inspection.
- •The seized items will be disposed of following the completion of infringement actions.
Singapore Customs officials seized 81,750 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes at a warehouse within the Changi Free Trade Zone. The discovery occurred on June 9 during an inspection of a consignment that had been declared for transhipment to Mexico.
Inspection and Confirmation
Officers identified the illicit goods after finding cigarettes of assorted brands packed in cardboard boxes wrapped in black and green packaging. Upon suspecting the items were counterfeit, customs officials contacted the relevant trademark proprietors, who confirmed the infringement.
Enforcement and Disposal
The seized cigarettes are currently held by Singapore Customs and will be destroyed once the trademark owners conclude their legal infringement actions. A spokesperson for the agency stated that Singapore does not tolerate the use of its Free Trade Zones for illicit activities and will continue to collaborate with partners to prevent such trade.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Channel NewsAsia.
