2 trucks checked at Woodlands Checkpoint found with 1.6 tonnes of illegally imported produce

Two trucks were found to have about 1.5 tonnes of illegally imported produce in a joint operation conducted by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) from May 2 to 3.

The operation targeted vegetable delivery trucks entering Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint.

During the operation, ICA officers referred two trucks to SFA for further checks due to discrepancies in the transported consignment.

SFA found in the two trucks approximately 1.6 tonnes of undeclared and under-declared produce such as bayam, bitter gourd, tomato, turnip and peeled onion imported by two importers.

All the illegally imported produce were seized.

Fruits and vegetables can only be imported into Singapore by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit.

Illegally imported vegetables are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk.

Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

Those who illegally import processed fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and in the case of a subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000.