The Police Coast Guard (PCG) have arrested two Indonesian men, aged 29 and 35 years old, who attempted to smuggle 1000 cartons of contraband cigarettes into Singapore on Thursday night.

This was made possible by the tip-off provided by three public-spirited members of the public. Mr Lim, Mr Tan and Mr Koh, who are owners of fish farms, had spotted two suspicious men onboard an unlit sampan heading towards the Singapore shores and even trailed the sampan to sea off Pulau Buloh where the two men abandoned the sampan and fled into the forested area.

Following the tip-off, PCG swung into action immediately. A combined search operation led by Police Coast Guard with officers from Jurong Police Division, Gurkhas Contingent and Special Operations Command K9 Unit was mounted in pursuit of the two men. The well-coordinated operation swiftly uncovered the two men, who were hiding in the forested area off Lim Chu Kang Lane 9. The sampan which the men had abandoned earlier was also found. 20 bags with 1000 cartons of contraband cigarettes in the sampan were seized and handed over to the Singapore Customs.

Both suspects will be charged in Court on 13 March 2010 for Unlawful Entry into Singapore under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 133, which carries an imprisonment term not exceeding six months and shall also be punished with caning not less than three strokes.

Deputy Commander of Police Coast Guard, Superintendent Sam Tee commended Mr. Lim, Mr. Tan and Mr. Koh for their public spiritedness and prompt action which resulted in the arrest of the two suspects. He added, “We had a similar case earlier in January this year where PCG was alerted by a public-spirited citizen that an unknown man was trying to swim into Singapore . The man, who turned out to be a Myanmar national was eventually placed under arrest for unlawful entry into Singapore . These cases, which were timely alerted by the fish farm owners are testament to the strong partnership PCG enjoys with the sea and coastal community. Their alertness and vigilance are crucial to our efforts in keeping Singapore 's territorial waters safe and secure.”