More than 650 youths caught with illegal cigarettes last year
SINGAPORE: More than 650 youths were caught with illegal
cigarettes last year and they form just 10 per cent of the total number
of underaged smokers booked.
It is bad enough that more teens are puffing away.
But many are also getting their smokes cheap from illegal peddlers.
Singapore Customs said it is concerned that this may be hampering the national effort to curb smoking.
Even more worrying is that more youngsters are themselves peddling illegal cigarettes.
11 were caught doing this last year up from just two in 2007.
Fong Yong Kian, director-general, Singapore Customs, said: “We take
this very seriously because this could be a sign that these youths are
being exploited by the syndicates that are trying to distribute illegal
cigarettes. For these youths, we will fine them but at the same time,
we are also working out with other organisations a guidance programme
in order to offer them counselling and help.”
- CNA/vm
Y smoke Contraband? Smoke real one also caught, smoke contra de also caught mind as well one nitro gum
Might as well dont smoke... Hahahaha
dun smoke better. so ex i think
...another undesirable consequence of one of the "grab as much money from the public as possible" (cig taxes) policies of the cursed despot and his running dogs cronies.
its the bloody taxes. blame the taxes. poor kids.
No money no smoke. ![]()
and, im one of them.
Singapore Customs said it is concerned that this may be hampering the national effort to curb smoking.
More like they are concerned of losing profit than really curb smoking. It is obvious that the govt only interested to stop illegal cigarettes trading. They did not do anything ongoing to monitor people smoking in the forbidden public areas. I have seen smokers smoking at the bus stops at different areas. Smoking in the lifts.
So just crap la! $ matters most to them not the health of the people.
Tobacco companies are here to stay...
when i was in secondary sch heard my friend say there is a lou uncle sell 1 packet for $4....
Once teens have set their hearts on doing it, nobody can stop them.
The govt is concentrating so much in arresting people with illegal cigarettes but made no effort to monitor people smoking in the public places. I am still seeing people smoking at the bus stops.
Arresting people with illegal cigarettes - must buy approved ones so govt can earn tax from it while monitoring people who smoke in the public places govt don't earn any tax from it. It is all about $$$ not the health of the public! Sigh!
Govt. so clever... ![]()