Four Indonesian men were arrested early on Saturday (May 17) for entering Singapore illegally, as confirmed by the police and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Sunday.
The Police Coast Guard discovered the men, aged between 28 and 50, making their way into Singapore by sea in a small boat and landing outside the fence line of Pulau Tekong.
Subsequently, officers from various units, including the Police Coast Guard, the Gurkha Contingent, the Special Operations Command, and the K-9 Unit, apprehended the individuals outside the protected areas of the island, where they were reportedly found without any travel documents.
The joint operation resulted in the confiscation of 2,700 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes and a fibreglass boat equipped with an outboard motor. The four men are due to face charges in court for their unlawful entry into Singapore, with potential penalties including imprisonment for up to six months and at least three strokes of the cane upon conviction.
The ongoing investigations into the case are being handled by the Police Coast Guard and Singapore Customs.
In response to the incident, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ang Eng Seng, Commander of the Police Coast Guard, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding Singapore’s territorial waters and sea borders.
He remarked, “The joint operation with ICA exemplifies the collaborative efforts to safeguard Singapore’s territorial waters and sea borders against crime and security threats, including unauthorised entry into and departure from Singapore.”
He also issued a stern warning, stating, “Anyone who plays a part in such unlawful entry or departure from Singapore, such as ferrying illegal immigrants to or from the place of arrival or departure, will face the full brunt of the law.”
