A total of 62 men and women, aged between 25 and 66, are being investigated for various offences, following a joint enforcement operation conducted from 20 to 29 January 2022.
The operation was led by Tanglin Police Division and supported by officers from the Secret Societies Branch of Criminal Investigation Department and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
During the operation targeting licensed and unlicensed public entertainment outlets, seven of the 13 outlets inspected were found to have committed breaches under the Public Entertainments Act 1958, the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, the Common Gaming Houses Act 1961, the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 and the Fire Safety Act 1993. A 28-year-old man was arrested for his alleged involvement in secret society activities.
During the operation, two ‘KTV-concept’ outlets that were purportedly unlicensed, were detected at a commercial unit located along Balestier Road, where 12 men and 5 women, aged between 27 and 66, were found allegedly singing karaoke and consuming liquor within the unit. Two men, aged 34 and 39, who were believed to be the operators of the two outlets, were arrested under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, and will also be investigated under the Public Entertainments Act 1958. Another four women, aged between 29 and 38, were arrested for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990. The operators and 15 patrons are being investigated for non-compliance with safe management measures as well.
In a shophouse unit located along Upper Thomson Road, nine men, aged between 24 and 47, were allegedly found to be gambling. A 30-year-old man will be investigated for operating and managing an illegal gambling den. All 9 men were arrested for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1961 and will also be investigated for non-compliance with safe management measures.
A restaurant along Mohamed Sultan Road was found to have allegedly allowed the sales and consumption of alcohol after 10.30pm as well. Investigations into the outlet are ongoing.
Commander of Tanglin Police Division, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cheong Chee Ming, said, “These operations are part of our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe during this festive period. The Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against those involved in criminal activities. Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly, in accordance with the law.”
The Police have zero tolerance towards illicit activities that threaten the public safety, peace, and good order of their communities, and will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to conduct regular enforcement operations to clamp down on illegal operations, suppress secret society activities and detect breaches of COVID-19 safe management measures at the various nightlife establishments and popular congregation hotspots throughout the festive season. Firm action will also be taken against those who blatantly disregard the law. Members of the public are also advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the Police immediately.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
31 January 2022 @ 5:10 PM