S’porean boy, 17, arrested for falsely claiming acquaintances had bomb & vape at Woodlands Checkpoint

A 17-year-old Singaporean boy was arrested for making false claims that his travel companions were carrying a bomb and a vaporiser at the Woodlands Checkpoint. According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the incident occurred on August 14 at around 10:45pm. The boy, along with two companions, had just cleared arrival immigration clearance when he pointed to them and falsely claimed they possessed the dangerous items.

An ICA officer, conducting profiling duties nearby, heard the false allegations and immediately stopped the boy and his companions. The officer then referred them for further checks, which ultimately revealed that they did not have the alleged bomb or vaporiser. Consequently, the boy was arrested for allegedly committing public nuisance.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing. The ICA emphasized that it takes all reports of security threats or contraband seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who make false or misleading claims that cause unnecessary public alarm. The ICA also reminded travellers to observe rules, behave in an orderly manner, and comply with officers' instructions when using the checkpoints.