The Police have arrested 17 women and 2 men, aged between 17 and 41, in an enforcement operation on 6 March 2019. The operation targeted vice activities and massage operations along Balestier Road, Macpherson Road, Upper Paya Lebar Road, Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, Orchard Road and Havelock Road.
During the joint enforcement checks conducted by Tanglin Police Division and Central Police Division, 14 women and one man, aged between 25 and 41, were arrested for vice-related offences. Preliminary investigations revealed that they had advertised sexual services online and operated from a rented service apartment. One of the women was also arrested for suspected drug-related offences.
In a separate check on another rented service apartment, a 17-year-old woman and a 18-year-old man were arrested for drug-related offences. The man was also arrested for fraudulent possession of property.
During the enforcement checks on massage establishments conducted by Tanglin Police Division, three massage establishments were found to be operating without a valid licence and one licensed massage establishment was found to have contravened licensing conditions. Two women, aged 30 and 32, were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter Act.
Investigations are ongoing.
Landlords are advised to ensure that tenants do not carry out vice activities inside their premises. Unlicensed brothel operators can be given a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or up to five years’ imprisonment. Any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person can be jailed up to five years and fined up to S$10,000.
Operators of unlicensed massage establishments are liable to enhanced penalties under the new Massage Establishment Act. If convicted, first time offenders may face a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both. For repeat offenders, they will be liable to a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.
The Police will spare no effort to clamp and take tough enforcement action on vice activities. Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with in accordance to the law.
Drugs seized during enforcement operations on 6 March 2019
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 March 2019 @ 3:35 PM