Are those... Pokémon Center Fukuoka Special Boxes?
A Singaporean man has become subject to investigation after failing to declare Pokémon cards worth more than S$30,000 at airport customs. The traveller is now under probe by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, according to a post on the organisation’s Facebook page.
Singapore man investigated for not declaring Pokémon cards worth S$30,000
According to a now-viral post on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s Facebook page, a 25-year-old Singaporean man was first found to be carrying a “large quantity” of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards during a baggage screening. The baggage screening had occurred at Changi Airport Terminal 1, and was carried out by ICA officers.
The unidentified man had previously been asked if he had anything to declare to customs. After being told that there was nothing to declare, the ICA conducted a “thorough check” of his luggage.
This check turned up the aforementioned Pokémon cards, which the ICA states were worth more than S$30,000 in total value. Due to the man’s failure to declare these cards, the case was referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.
The ICA’s post ends with a reminder for travellers to declare and pay both duty and GST (Goods and Services Tax) on any items purchased from overseas that have exceeded duty-free concessions and GST relief.
Hang on, are those Pokémon Center Fukuoka Special Boxes?
Interestingly, pictures attached to the ICA’s post confirm that the man’s undeclared goods included four Pokémon Center Fukuoka Special Boxes. These boxes could only be purchased at launch by winning a lottery. They also include a unique “Fukuoka’s Pikachu” card, which collectors might be eager to get their hands on.
Here’s a closer look at the card:
Given their limited availability, these boxes are highly sought after by fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. On eBay alone, individual boxes go for S$387 to S$441, up from their original value of roughly S$17 (¥2090). No reprints of these boxes have been made available yet.
