ICA investigating why security barrier malfunctioned on Saturday

The authorities are currently analysing reasons behind the breach at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Saturday and believe drugs could be a factor for the incident.

Lau Peet Meng, Police Director of Operations, explained it took the local police five hours to capture the 64-year old suspect, at 9:15pm on Saturday, as he drove across various parts of the island and changed to another vehicle. Mr. Lau went on to explain that the police had to catch a 'determined criminal' who was evading arrest instead of someone strolling down Orchard Road.

The suspect - a Singapore Permanent Resident - drove his Singapore registered Mercedes-Benz sedan into the checkpoint for immigration clearance at 3:53pm on Saturday. At 4:02pm, he was stopped for a boot check, but suddenly drove away - with the boot still open. According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), he dashed for the exit after overtaking another car by mounting a kerb.

A security barrier near the exit was raised and an auxiliary police officer cracked the right window of the car's back passenger seat. The front tyres of the Mercedes were punctured by the barrier, but strangely did not prevent the car from driving over the barrier or speeding away.

According to ICA's Deputy Commissioner, Aw Kum Cheong, this is the first time the barrier failed to stop a car and is currently reviewing why the barrier failed to function properly. Installed in 2006, the 300mm tall barrier was thoroughly tested during installation and stopped a pickup truck. Back in 2012, the barrier also prevented an unauthorised car from leaving the checkpoint.

Hours after the breach, a video of the incident was posted online. The ICA did not dispute the authenticity of the video, and is believed to be recorded off a computer playing the CCTV footage using a smartphone. Regardless, the authorities have warned the clip should not be circulated as the video leak is covered under an Official Secrets Act investigation.

Meanwhile, the driver is under investigation for drug offenses after a suspicious package containing drugs was found. The authorities failed to clarify where and how the package was found, or how it is linked to the checkpoint breach. In addition, four men, two Singaporeans and two Malaysians, associated with the suspect are assisting the authorities with investigations. But again, police have declined to reveal the link between the suspect and the four men - citing ongoing investigations.

The police and ICA revealed the 64-year old suspect from Saturday's incident will be charged in court today, but did not specify the charges he will face.