A Temasek Polytechnic student shares what he saw when he joined the Police on a raid against illegal online gambling activities.
By: Ryan Yeo Kee Hng
For nearly seven months, I interned as a Police Life journalist in the Public Affairs Department (PAD) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF). But one night stood out – 10 June 2024.
At 11pm, I reported to Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. I was granted the opportunity to shadow officers from the SPF on an enforcement operation. This was my chance to witness a Police raid first-hand, an opportunity that few have experienced!
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The mission was a joint enforcement operation with Bedok Police Division and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, targeting illegal online gambling activities at an industrial estate. Feeling thrilled and nervous as I prepared to tag along with the officers, I was unsure of how the night would unfold but eager to gain a deeper understanding of the officers’ tireless efforts to keep Singapore safe and secure.
An illegal gambling site was to be raided and we’d join the officers once the premises were secured.
The moment came quickly. We received the green light and I jumped into the Police van. As we sped off, the destination remained a mystery. The van manoeuvred through the night, eventually turning into a dark alley flanked by industrial buildings.
We ascended to the rooftop carpark where the blinking lights of the Police vehicles were cast on the industrial building’s facade. I trailed closely behind the officers and entered through a nondescript door.
Inside, officers had already secured strategic positions at key positions along a staircase. The mood was tense and as we made our way to the upper floors, the sound of our footsteps echoed down the deserted corridors.
The officers led us to a unit at the end of the building, its doors open. Inside, we found a maze of rooms, each a hub of illicit activity. Online slot machines and other illegal gambling activities hummed, their screens glowing while officers combed through each room to gather evidence.
Entering the first unit, I was struck by the cluttered interior. The air was thick with the smell of cigarettes and mattresses were scattered on the floor.
Meanwhile, officers worked methodically, interviewing suspects and scouring the unit and its computers for further investigations. As I took in the scene, I couldn't help but feel a sense of intensity and focus coming from the officers.
I moved to an adjacent unit whose door bore a gaping hole. Unable to open the door by other means, the officers had breached it with a ram. Inside, another team of officers went about their work intently.
As the raid wrapped up, we gathered outside for a media soundbite. Watching members of the media set up their equipment and prepare in a real-world context was enlightening, compared to the controlled environment of a school assignment.
“The Police take a zero-tolerance approach against all forms of illegal gambling activities,” said Superintendent of Police (Supt) Willy Ng, former Head of Operations of Bedok Police Division. “Those found engaging in unlawful activities will be dealt with sternly, in accordance with the law.”
A Moment to Reflect
As we headed back to Geylang NPC at 4am, the late hour weighed heavily, but my fatigue was tempered by exhilaration and the drive to document every detail of the operation. The officers showed little sign of tiredness as they continued their work long after the enforcement operation had been completed.
I’m grateful to have been offered a glimpse into the relentless efforts of the SPF to maintain law and order round the clock. During my internship, I had the chance to cover different aspects of Police work, from shadowing officers on patrol and speaking to the Police Day 2024 Parade Commander to featuring officers who’d attended to a traffic accident at Bukit Timah Road. These opportunities allowed me to apply lessons I’d learnt in the classroom to real-world situations, and helped me to refine my writing and photography skills. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges Police officers face and the importance of their work in keeping our community safe. This was something that I’d taken for granted before.
While the initial stress of adapting to a fast-paced, high-tempo work environment at Police Life was challenging, it ultimately made me more resilient, organised and adaptable. I found great satisfaction in the work I produced. I’m also deeply grateful for my supportive colleagues who guided me every step of the way while allowing me to take the lead at times, fostering my confidence and growth. If given the chance, I wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again.
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