An African national, believed to be involved in a black-money scam, took a wrong turn and ended up driving his vehicle containing hundreds of pieces of fake US dollars into the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex here.
However, the suspect gave the authorities the slip when he abandoned his vehicle and escaped on foot at about 9.30am a few days ago.
“He wanted to turn back, but the security personnel told him that he can only make a turn after passing the immigration and customs checks,” a source said, adding that the suspect drove some distance before just stopping and fleeing on foot.
Security personnel immediately rushed to the car and discovered more than 1,500 pieces of US$100 (RM417) bills.
Police have started investigations, but no arrest has been made.
Meanwhile, three Malaysians were detained for trying to smuggle chewing tobacco and contraband cigarettes in three separate incidents into Singapore on Aug 17.
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a statement said all the items seized were worth S$321,000 (RM898,800) in value and unpaid taxes.
The first incident occurred when ICA officers detained a 43-year-old motorcyclist and discovered 1,080 chewing tobacco and cigarettes during the 8.25am arrest at Woodlands checkpoint.
Four hours later, a 29-year-old man was arrested for carrying 124 cartons of cigarettes in a modified fuel tank and backseat while a 43-year-old lorry driver was caught with 1,550 cartons of cigarettes.
