Illegal cigarette smuggling is not set in stone.

Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Customs (SC) uncovered a new tactic by smugglers during a recent check on May 5.

A Malaysia-registered lorry carrying a consignment of 200 slabs of pre-cast concrete was directed to the cargo checking bay for a detailed check.

The ordinary-looking consignment of concrete slabs were scanned through an x-ray machine for further investigation.

The scan revealed anomalies in the density of the concrete.

After more than eight hours of hacking away at the concrete slabs, authorities uncovered 3000 cartons of duty unpaid cigarettes. Each slab held 15 cartons of illegal cigarettes wrapped in black plastic bags.

The estimated street value of the duty-unpaid cigarettes was worth about $288,000, with the duty and GST involved amounting to about $230,310.

Singapore Customs warns that buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with contraband cigarettes are serious offences under the Customs and GST Acts.

Stiff penalties are imposed for such offences. Vehicles used in the commission of such offences are also liable to be forfeited.

The public is strongly advised not to buy duty-unpaid cigarettes. For possessing a packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes, buyers may face a minimum fine of $500 or prosecution in court.