SINGAPORE: The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle vaporisers and related components into Singapore, after officers at Woodlands Checkpoint flagged a Malaysia-registered car for enhanced checks on May 30.

According to ICA’s Facebook post on June 11, 2026, officers profiled the vehicle and directed it for further inspection. More than 20 vaporisers and related components were found hidden within children’s clothing and towels belonging to the passengers in the car.

Two Singaporeans arrested

Following the discovery, a 37-year-old male and a 28-year-old female, both Singaporean, were arrested in connection with the case. The matter has since been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation.

In its statement, ICA reiterated its role as “Guardians of Our Borders,” noting that it remains committed to facilitating trade and travel while keeping Singapore’s borders safe and secure.

Netizens react

The news drew a range of reactions online, with many commending the officers involved for their vigilance.

“Great work by the informers and ICA,” one commenter wrote, crediting the enforcement effort.

Others took a more cynical view of the smugglers’ attempt, with one user dismissing it bluntly as a “failed illegal investment.”

Several commenters also weighed in on what should happen next. “Give them jail time. Surely [they] will turn over [a] new leaf,” one netizen said, calling for a deterrent approach.

A reminder of ongoing vape enforcement efforts

This latest seizure comes amid continued scrutiny of vaporiser smuggling attempts at Singapore’s checkpoints, with HSA having stepped up enforcement against the importation, distribution, and use of e-vaporisers in recent years. Under Singapore law, the purchase, use, and possession of e-vaporisers and their components are illegal.

The case serves as a reminder that, despite the small and easily concealable nature of vaporisers, checkpoint officers continue to rely on a mix of profiling, experience, and physical searches to intercept such attempts, even when hidden among everyday items like children’s clothing.

This article (Over 20 vaporisers smuggled in children’s clothing seized at Woodlands Checkpoint, two arrested) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: The long queue at Woodlands Checkpoint during the Vesak Day holiday period appears to have tested the patience of some motorists. For 30 vehicle drivers, that impatience came at a cost.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that 30 motorists were caught committing traffic offences during intensified enforcement operations at Woodlands Checkpoint between May 28 and June 1, according to an ICA statement released on June 5.

The offences ranged from queue cutting and crossing double white lines to making illegal right turns and stopping in positions that could create danger or obstruct traffic.

Of the 30 motorists detected, 21 were ordered to make a U-turn and return to the back of the queue. Nine drivers of foreign-registered vehicles were also barred from entering Singapore for offences that included queue cutting and crossing double white lines. Fifteen motorists were referred to the Traffic Police for further action.

Holiday traffic seems to bring the same problems

Long weekends see heavy traffic at Singapore’s land checkpoints as travellers head across the Causeway. While congestion is expected, queue cutting remains one of the most complained-about behaviours among motorists.

A single vehicle attempting to jump the queue can trigger frustration among hundreds of drivers who have spent hours waiting for their turn. It can also create safety risks when vehicles suddenly change lanes or cross road markings to gain an advantage.

ICA’s latest enforcement operation shows that authorities are paying close attention to such behaviour, particularly during peak travel periods when traffic volumes surge.

Motorists were even caught committing offences that could endanger other road users

ICA said some motorists were caught committing offences that could endanger other road users. Crossing double white lines and making illegal turns can force other drivers to react suddenly, increasing the risk of accidents in already congested areas.

Stopping in unsuitable locations can also create bottlenecks and worsen traffic flow.

ICA said it takes a serious view of motorists who break traffic laws or fail to follow officers’ instructions at checkpoints, as such actions can compromise others’ safety. The authority added that it will continue taking firm action against offenders.

A reminder for travellers using Singapore checkpoints

The latest figures may appear modest compared with the thousands of vehicles that cross the Causeway daily. Still, they serve as a sign that enforcement remains active and that authorities are prepared to act against those seeking shortcuts.

The fastest way through a checkpoint remains to stay in lane, follow instructions and wait for your turn.

Holiday traffic can be frustrating, but a few minutes saved by cutting a queue may end up costing far more in penalties, delays and inconvenience. A little patience goes a long way when everyone is trying to reach the same destination.

This article (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority: 30 motorists were caught committing dangerous driving, including queue-cutting offences at Woodlands Checkpoint; 15 were referred to the traffic police for further action) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE, June 12 — A Pakistani man was detained and deported after causing a temporary lockdown at Woodlands Checkpoint on June 4, according to The Straits Times. 

The Straits Times citing the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), reported that the incident occurred at about 9.42am when an Auxiliary Police Officer spotted the man walking against traffic near the Arrival Motorcycle zone.

The man claimed he had dropped his cashcard when questioned, but later turned back and ran towards Malaysia despite instructions to stop, while officers were checking on his motorcycle.

“ICA officers immediately responded to the incident and initiated a lockdown of the checkpoint, as part of our security protocols,” the authority was quoted as saying. 

He was later arrested and handed over to ICA’s Enforcement Division for investigations. ICA said the man told officers he had no intention of entering Singapore.

He was given a stern warning for failing to follow instructions and resisting officers, and was barred from re-entering Singapore.

Under Singapore’s Immigration Act, those who obstruct officers can be fined up to S$4,000, jailed up to 12 months, or both, the Singapore daily reported.