Man who abandoned lorry at Woodlands Checkpoint and caused 2-hour lockdown arrested

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A Malaysian man abandoned his lorry containing contraband cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint on Thursday (July 5), causing a two-hour lockdown and a massive traffic jam.

The 31-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested on Friday (July 6), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in response to queries.

According to The Straits Times, Asrul Nizam, a Malaysian, had cleared immigration at about 2.50am on Thursday.

His lorry was going through further checks when he abandoned the vehicle, and officers discovered 5,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes hidden inside.

The incident resulted in a temporary suspension of checkpoint operations as authorities tried to locate the driver. An appeal for information was also issued.

Stomper Mohd alerted Stomp to social media posts from users complaining about the ensuing jam.

He said: "I was informed by my friends from the Johor Bahru side that they were stuck in a jam for a few hours."

In a 4.55am update, ICA told travellers to "expect delays" at the checkpoint due to an "enhanced check" that had been implemented due to an "ongoing operation".

https://www.facebook.com/Immigration.Checkpoints.Authority/posts/6811543...

Investigations are ongoing.