A Malaysian man, Law Wei Bin, 29, was apprehended at Woodlands Checkpoint while attempting to smuggle six kittens into Singapore. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers discovered the animals hidden in a modified dashboard compartment of his car during a routine check on June 6, 2024. Law had been involved in animal smuggling since April 2024, making six successful deliveries prior to his arrest.
Background
Law’s smuggling activities began in April 2024 after he inquired about such jobs with his friend “Ah Wei” over WeChat. Following this, an unknown Chinese man contacted Law and instructed him to modify his car at a workshop in Johor Bahru, costing him RM2,000 (S$602.25). Law was paid RM500 (S$150.50) for each successful delivery, with the animals being picked up and transported to Singapore on the same day.
Caught
On June 6, 2024, Law’s smuggling attempt was thwarted when ICA officers stopped him at Woodlands Checkpoint at 8:20 pm. The officers discovered the modified compartment in his car, containing the six kittens. The animals were subsequently sent to the AVS Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) for microchipping, physical examination, and quarantine.
Cramped, poorly ventilated and unsanitary conditions: Doctor
A doctor at AQC reported that two of the kittens had been transported in cramped conditions deemed “unsuitable” and causing “unnecessary suffering.” The compartment’s poor ventilation and unsanitary conditions likely facilitated the spread of viruses. All six kittens tested positive for feline parvovirus (FPV), a highly contagious virus that can cause gastrointestinal disease and be fatal.
Had been trying to make money for wedding: Defence
Law pleaded guilty to four charges under the Animals and Birds Act on September 13, with eight additional charges considered during sentencing. The prosecution sought a sentence of 28 to 34 weeks’ jail, highlighting Law’s five prior smuggling attempts. In mitigation, Law’s defence lawyer argued that he was a first-time offender and regretted his actions, noting that Law was trying to make money for his wedding. The judge sentenced Law to 18 weeks’ jail on September 13.
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