Bird smugglers caught at Woodlands checkpoint

Fiona Low Straits Times 4 Nov 11;

Checkpoint authorities have caught two men who tried to smuggle about 300 birds into Singapore.

The birds were hidden in cages under a black cloth in the boot compartment of a sports utility vehicle. The vehicle tried to enter the country at the Woodlands checkpoint on Tuesday at about 10pm.

The 38-year-old driver and his 40-year-old companion, both Singaporeans, were referred to the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority for further investigations.

There were 250 munia birds, 44 mata puteh birds and one shama bird uncovered.

The two men claimed that they had brought the birds in for religious purposes and not for commercial benefits. They had purchased the birds in Johor Bahru for RM1 (S$0.40) each.

The smuggling of animals, animal products, meat or meat products could introduce infectious diseases into Singapore.

The importation of any animals or birds without a permit carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.

ICA foils attempt to smuggle birds into Singapore
Vimita Mohandas Channel NewsAsia 4 Nov 11;

SINGAPORE : Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have thwarted plans by two men to smuggle birds into Singapore in their car boot compartment.

On Tuesday, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint inspected a Singapore-registered SUV's rear boot compartment which was partially covered by a piece of black cloth.

Upon removal, they discovered a loot of birds which included 250 Munia birds, 44 Mata Puteh birds and one Shama bird.

Upon questioning, the 38-year-old driver and his 40-year-old travel companion claimed they were bringing the birds in for religious purposes and not for commercial benefits.

They added that they had purchased the birds in Johor for RM1 each.

The case has been referred to the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations.

Travellers are not allowed to bring live animals, birds and insects into Singapore without a proper permit.

The importation of any animals or live birds without an AVA permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, which carries a maximum penalty of S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

- CNA/ms