Singapore’s immigration authorities halted an attempt to smuggle 10 swords in containers. Swords, which are controlled items, require import permits from the Police Licensing Regulatory Department to be brought into Singapore.
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said in a Facebook post on 9 October that 10 swords were found in three different smuggling attempts in August.
On 5 August, a metal sword and a wooden sword were found in one container. On 24 August, two metal swords were uncovered in another container, followed by two metal swords, two plastic swords and two wooden swords in a separate container two days later. Irregularities turned up in all the containers during X-ray scans in Pasir Panjang Terminal, prompting inspectors to open the containers.
ICA has referred the incidents to the police for further investigation.
Those found guilty of illegally importing such arms can be fined up to S$10,000 (US$7,651) and jailed for up to three years.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
