Can You Get Into Trouble as a Passenger in a Car Carrying Illegal Items in Singapore?
Most people don't spend much time thinking about what someone else has inside their car. You might accept a lift from a colleague after work, travel with friends for supper or ride with a family member without giving a second thought to what is in the glove compartment, the boot or even under the seats. After all, as a passenger, you are simply along for the ride. But what happens if the police stop the vehicle and discover something illegal inside? It could be controlled drugs, duty-unpaid cigarettes, prohibited weapons or other unlawful items. Suddenly, what started as an ordinary journey becomes a police investigation and everyone in the vehicle may be questioned. This naturally leads many passengers to wonder whether they can get into legal trouble simply because they happened to be in the same car. The answer is not always straightforward. Simply being a passenger does not automatically make someone guilty of a criminal offence. However, it also does not mean the police ...