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  A significant drug smuggling attempt was foiled at Singapore's Tuas Checkpoint on the morning of September 20, 2025, leading to the arrest of a 37-year-old Malaysian man. The interception prevented a large quantity of narcotics, with an estimated street value of over 272,000 Singapore dollars, from entering the country. The operation began when vigilant officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority directed a Malaysia-registered car for enhanced inspection. During a thorough search of the vehicle, officers discovered two black bundles suspected to contain controlled drugs. These bundles were found concealed within a panel in the rear boot of the car. Following this initial discovery, the Central Narcotics Bureau was immediately alerted. CNB officers arrived on the scene and conducted a more extensive examination of the vehicle. This secondary inspection led to the uncovering of an additional six black bundles hidden in various other compartments of the car, demonstratin...

  A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison and six strokes of the cane for the aggravated molestation of a recruiter in a shopping mall nursing room. The incident occurred on the evening of March 1, 2023, at Changi City Point. The convicted individual, Ankit Sharma, an Indian national who is a Singapore Permanent Resident, had met the 31-year-old victim for the first time that day. The victim, a technology specialist recruiter, had reached out to him after a colleague shared his profile. Their meeting began professionally, discussing employment opportunities for Sharma and his wife over alcoholic drinks at a bar. The conversation later shifted to personal topics, with Sharma asking the victim intrusive questions about her relationship status and history. The victim grew uncomfortable and excused herself to use the restroom around 8:45 PM, where she texted her boyfriend asking him to check in on her by 9:00 PM, expressing concern that the candidate was "a bit dr...

  Two men have been convicted in a Singapore court for their roles in a major document falsification case linked to the collapsed German financial services company Wirecard AG. The convictions are connected to the creation of false letters confirming the existence of hundreds of millions of dollars that were never actually held in escrow accounts. The convicted individuals are R Shanmugaratnam, a 59-year-old Singaporean and director of the local accounting firm Citadelle Corporate Services, and James Henry O'Sullivan, a 50-year-old British national. The court found that O'Sullivan instigated Shanmugaratnam to issue the fraudulent documents. District Judge Kow Keng Siong found the two men guilty of their respective charges following a hearing on Monday, September 22. The judge stated he would release his full written grounds for the decision by the end of the week. Shanmugaratnam was convicted on 13 charges for falsifying balance confirmation letters with fraudulent intent betwe...

  A viral video posted on September 21 shows a man having an emotional outburst at a casino resort. The footage depicts him screaming while seated on the floor before lying down. The exact location and time are unconfirmed, but the setting appears to be in Resort World Casino. Later in the video, security personnel are seen carrying the man away. The video sparked numerous comments from netizens, many of whom assumed the distress was gambling-related. 

  A Malaysian national has been charged in a Singapore court for his alleged role as a cash collector in a sophisticated government official impersonation scam syndicate. Lee Jian Cheng, 31, was charged on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with engaging in a conspiracy to help unknown individuals retain the benefits of criminal conduct. According to court documents, Lee is accused of collecting a substantial sum of $441,000 on behalf of the syndicate over a concentrated period between July 17 and August 1, 2025. His specific role was allegedly to act as the on-the-ground operative who physically received cash from victims, making him a critical component in the money laundering chain. His case has been adjourned and is scheduled to be mentioned again in court on September 25, 2025. The Singapore Police Force provided details on the scam's modus operandi in an earlier statement. Between July 12 and August 8, 2025, they received multiple repor...

  A 22-year-old Sri Lankan national has become the first person to be charged in connection with a recent series of fake bulk order scams that have targeted local businesses in Singapore.  Rajadi Rajasinghe Manamendra Patabadilage Vishwa Madavi , who is in Singapore on a student pass, was charged on   Wednesday, September 17, 2025 , under the Computer Misuse Act for her alleged role in facilitating the scams. Rajadi is currently remanded at the Central Police Division and is accused of two primary offenses: relinquishing control of her personal bank account to unknown individuals and disclosing her bank login password to an unauthorized person in September 2025. The court heard that her bank account subsequently received a large amount of funds, which are believed to be proceeds from the fraudulent activities. She is expected to enter a guilty plea on October 1, 2025. Her arrest is part of a broader police operation that led to the apprehension of three ind...

  A 38-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment for stealing over $5,000 worth of items from various stores at Changi Airport and Jewel during a transit stop. Bhansali Hemant Mahendrakumar, a businessman, committed the thefts on May 28, 2025, while waiting for a connecting flight. Mahendrakumar arrived in Singapore from New Delhi, India, at approximately 5:15 p.m. on May 28. He had an eight-hour layover before his scheduled flight to Qingdao, China, at 1:45 a.m. on May 29. During this transit period, he embarked on a stealing spree across three airport terminals and the Jewel complex. Court documents detailed that he stole items from at least 12 different stores, accumulating stolen goods with a total value of $5,136. His largest single theft occurred at a Guardian personal care store located within the departure transit hall of Terminal 3, wh...

  A Singaporean man arrested in Malaysia for allegedly masterminding a scheme to traffic drug-laced electronic vaporisers to South Korea has been identified as a former engineering student from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Ivan Tan Zhi Xuan, 31, is facing serious charges in Malaysia that could carry the death penalty. The alleged international operation was first detected by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). The agency identified Tan as the suspected ringleader of a criminal group that was attempting to recruit students in South Korea to establish a distribution network for vapes laced with etomidate and cocaine in Seoul. The syndicate's ambitious plan was to smuggle an estimated 20,000 vapes each month, an amount significant enough to feed the addiction of approximately two million people. Acting on a tip-off from the NIS, Malaysian law enforcement agencies moved in on June 19. Tan was arr...

  An American man has been charged in a Singapore court with multiple drug-related offenses, including the possession of a vaporizer device containing a Class A controlled drug. Harting Chitty Harold Ivan, a 35-year-old United States citizen, was handed six charges on Monday, September 15, 2025, all relating to incidents on or around April 16 of this year at a unit in Marina One Residences. According to charge sheets, the Central Narcotics Bureau conducted an operation at the condominium at approximately 5:50 p.m. on April 16. During this operation, Ivan was allegedly found in possession of one vaporizer device containing a viscous substance. Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the substance contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis plants that produces intoxicating effects. At the same time, officers discovered chocolate bars in his possession. Portions of these chocolate bars were ana...

  In a significant international law enforcement operation, the Singapore Police Force and the Cambodian National Police have jointly disrupted a major criminal syndicate responsible for perpetrating large-scale Government Official Impersonation Scams targeting Singaporean victims. The coordinated operation resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial evidence across both countries. The investigation began in December 2024 after the Singapore Police Force received numerous reports of a sophisticated scam operation. The scheme followed a three-step process where victims were first contacted by individuals pretending to be bank staff. These callers would then transfer the victims to another scammer impersonating a government official, either from the police force or the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The fake official would deceive victims into believing their bank accounts were implicated in criminal investigations and instruct them to transfer their funds to accoun...

  The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has successfully intercepted two separate attempts to smuggle prohibited tobacco products and electronic vaporisers into Singapore through Changi Airport. The incidents, which both occurred on September 6, 2025, at Terminal 4, are a direct result of the agency's intensified checks at all of Singapore's checkpoints. The first interception took place at 1:45 p.m. ICA officers, during the course of their duties, directed a female traveler from Romania for enhanced checks. This decision was based on their assessment that she was likely carrying a prohibited item. The enhanced inspection confirmed their suspicions. The woman was found to be in possession of a significant quantity of contraband, including nearly 1,200 heat sticks, which are heat-not-burn tobacco products, and two electronic vaporisers. The second case occurred later that same day at 11:55 p.m. Officers profiled a female South Korean national who was a work permit holder in ...

  A prominent right-wing activist and commentator in the United States was fatally shot during a public event at a Utah university, an incident the state's governor has described as a political assassination. Charlie Kirk, a influential ally of former President Donald Trump, was killed on September 10, 2025. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time at Utah Valley University in the city of Orem. Kirk was addressing a large outdoor crowd of an estimated 3,000 people when a gunshot rang out. Video footage from the event showed the moment the shooting interrupted his speech. Authorities stated that the shooter likely fired from a rooftop at a significant distance from the stage. According to reports, just moments before the shot was fired, an audience member was questioning Kirk about gun violence in America. The commentator was responding to a query about the number of mass shooters in the last decade when the incident occurred. The event was the first stop on a pl...

  A 38-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison for assaulting a public servant and causing a public nuisance after he was denied entry into Singapore. The individual, Ceng Li Xiao, appeared in court on September 4, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to both charges against him. The incident began on the morning of August 16, 2025, when Ceng arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 4. Upon processing his entry, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority determined that he was subject to the Immigration (Prohibition of Entry) Order. This order legally prohibits certain individuals from entering the country, though the specific reason for his ban was not disclosed in court. Following the decision to deny his entry, Ceng was taken to a holding lounge within the airport to await his deportation back to China. At this point, he became uncooperative with the authorities. His refusal to comply with the lawful instructions of the officers prompted them to res...

  Segamat, Johor, was rattled by its fourth earthquake in just five days when a 3.4-magnitude tremor struck at 4.24am on Aug 29. The Malaysia Meteorological Department, MetMalaysia, said the quake’s epicenter was 22km north-east of Segamat at a depth of 10km. Earlier, the town had recorded three smaller quakes on Aug 24, 27, and 28, ranging between magnitudes 2.5 and 4.1. Though classified as weak, the repeated tremors have left residents unsettled, especially since some reported feeling the quakes across Johor. MetMalaysia assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored and urged those who felt the tremors to submit feedback via an official questionnaire. Earthquakes are uncommon in Peninsular Malaysia, making the cluster unusual. While no injuries or damages were reported, experts say the frequency highlights the need for awareness and preparedness, even in regions not typically prone to seismic activity.

  From Sep 1, Singapore will enforce harsher penalties against vaping and Kpod abuse, as well as severe punishments for suppliers of etomidate. Etomidate, a substance commonly found in drug-laced vapes known as Kpods, will be officially classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). This change significantly raises the stakes for both abusers and traffickers. For abusers, fines for vaping will rise from the current S$300–S$500 to S$500 for first-time offenders under 18 and S$700 for adults. A second offence will require attendance at a three-month rehabilitation programme, while third-time or subsequent offenders face prosecution with fines of up to S$2,000. Kpod users will face similar fines but with added mandatory rehabilitation lasting up to six months. Repeat Kpod offenders will be investigated under the MDA, undergo urine testing, and face six months of mandatory supervision. Authorities have highlighted that the majority of etomidate abusers are under 30. ...

  On August 23, 2025, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced stepped-up checks at Singapore’s land, air, and sea checkpoints to detect and deter e-vaporiser smuggling. E-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore, and the government maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance against vaping. Travellers carrying these devices must declare them to ICA officers. Those who fail to declare will face fines or be referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation. Singapore banned e-vaporisers in 2018 due to health risks and their potential influence on youth. ICA reiterated that offenders will face strict consequences.

  A rare 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Johor on the morning of 24 August 2025 , with tremors felt in Segamat at 6.13am . The quake’s epicentre was 5km west of Segamat, 180km from Singapore. Later that morning, at 9am , a second mild tremor measuring 2.8 magnitude was recorded northwest of Kluang. Tremors were reported across Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and southern Pahang. Residents described frightening moments, with some rushing their families outdoors fearing their homes might collapse. Fortunately, no casualties or major damage were reported. Johor’s Chief Minister confirmed that authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and the public is advised to avoid unsafe structures. Although Malaysia is outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, experts note that the region has recorded minor quakes in the past, including in 1922 and during the 2007–2008 Bukit Tinggi fault zone activity . Experts stress the importance of staying vigilant despite Malaysia’s lower overall seismi...

  On 18 August 2025, the Melaka High Court sentenced Singaporean national Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy , aged 36, to a total of 72 years’ imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane after finding him guilty of murdering his wife and stepson in 2019. The case shocked the community due to the cruelty of the crime, where the dismembered remains of the victims were discovered in a bushy area six years ago. The sentencing was handed down by High Court Judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis , who ordered Shahrul to serve 36 years and 12 strokes of the cane for each of the two murder charges , with the sentences running consecutively. The court also ruled that the prison term would begin from the date of his arrest, 11 October 2019 . In his oral judgment, Judge Anselm described the crime as particularly cruel, highlighting that Shahrul had hidden his wife’s head in the ceiling of their house in an attempt to conceal the crime and prevent identification of the victims. The court found no reasonable ju...

  On 17 August 2025, a viral video reignited concerns over illegal ride-hailing in Singapore. The clip showed a Malaysia-registered vehicle conducting an unauthorised pick-up at Changi Airport. More images surfaced online of other vehicles allegedly engaging in illegal ride-hailing at Waterway Point and Queen Street. One post alleged that the Malaysia car involved had multiple unpaid traffic fines in Singapore yet was still driving and operating illegally. This angered private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, who argued that such lapses in enforcement not only harm their livelihoods but also undermine road safety. Authorities have previously emphasised that only licensed PHVs and taxis are allowed to provide ride-hailing services. Illegal operators bypass safety checks, licensing requirements, and insurance obligations, putting commuters at risk. The public can help by reporting such cases through the OneMotoring link, accessible by searching “report illegal ride hailing” online. PHV...

  On 15 August 2025, two cars were caught on video engaging in a shocking road rage clash in Sungai Petani, along Jalan Sekerat near Gandhi Hall. A white Nissan Livina was seen ramming into a Toyota Corolla, after which the Toyota driver retaliated by forcefully hitting the Nissan multiple times. The incident quickly went viral, with netizens likening it to a game of “bumper cars” on a busy public road. Police later confirmed the case, stating that the Toyota driver is in his 40s and the Nissan driver in his 30s. Both are now being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving, and Section 10 of the Road Transport Act 1959 for failure to maintain control of a vehicle. Though no injuries were reported, the dangerous behaviour sparked outrage online, with many calling for strict enforcement to curb rising cases of road rage.