A 17-year-old Singaporean has been arrested after he claimed that his companions had a bomb and e-vaporiser while passing through Woodlands Checkpoint.
This claim was found to be false after the trio were detained for further checks, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a Facebook post on Tuesday (18 Aug).
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
The teenager was with two travel companions at about 10.45pm last Friday (14 Aug) night, ICA said.
The trio had just cleared immigration at the Arrival Bus Hall when he pointed to his companions.
He then allegedly commented that they were in possession of a bomb and a vape respectively.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
When an ICA officer who was conducting profiling duties nearby heard the comments, he immediately stopped all three travellers.
They were referred for further checks, which established that the trio did not have the alleged items.
The teenager was subsequently arrested by the police for committing public nuisance.
Source: Singapore Police Force on Facebook. Photo for illustration purposes only.
Police investigations are ongoing.
As checkpoint security is “a top priority”, all reports of security threats or contraband are taken “very seriously”, ICA said, adding:
We will not hesitate to take action against those who make false or misleading claims, causing unnecessary alarm to the public.
It also reminded travellers to observe the rules, conduct themselves in an orderly manner and comply with officers’ instructions when using the checkpoints.
Also read: Man arrested for allegedly making 2 fake bomb threats involving Parliament House & HTX premises
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Featured image adapted from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook.