Swift action, a firm hand and meticulous coordination in the midnight hour.
By: K Shreeyaa
On 8 November 2024, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) spearheaded a multi-agency enforcement operation on public entertainment outlets in Joo Chiat. Led by Bedok Police Division, the effort also involved officers from the Traffic Police (TP), Police K-9 Unit, Central Narcotics Bureau, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Health Sciences Authority and Singapore Food Agency. Here’s what went down that night!
2300 Hours: The First Move
Just before midnight, a convoy of Police and support vehicles rolled into the area where the enforcement operation would be conducted. The operation was focused on clamping down on illicit activities and regulatory offences at public entertainment outlets.
Officers secured three KTV lounges and rounded up suspects into separate rooms. The bright fluorescent lights revealed muted scenes – customers and staff caught unaware by the Police’s swift action.
In each room, we watched as officers from the respective agencies commenced investigations into work permit and vice-related offences, as well as other illicit activities. A number of suspects were arrested and led away.
The same process was repeated at two other establishments, with more suspects arrested for similar offences and also to assist with investigations into the possession of e-vaporisers as well as for breaches to the Fire Safety Act 1993 and Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.
0030 hours: Another Wave of Operations
While these raids were being completed, TP officers had carried out ring-fencing operations in the vicinity of Joo Chiat. This operation saw a number of suspects arrested for offences related to drink driving, possession of controlled substances and scheduled weapons.
We were on hand to see one vehicle stopped for further checks. A K-9 Unit dog stepped into and around the vehicle, its keen senses attuned to any sign of controlled substances.
On the streets, officers were firmly in control of the situation, issuing instructions to ensure that events proceeded briskly. The scene was one of meticulous coordination as officers catalogued the items seized: suspected controlled substances, items suspected to be drug paraphernalia and scheduled weapons.
0100 hours: Shutting Down Crime
The operation concluded in the early hours, with suspects escorted into waiting Police vans and officers reviewing their investigation notes and collecting evidence.
This enforcement operation was notable as 12 men and three women, aged between 19 and 63, were arrested for various offences including working without a valid work permit; suspected drink driving; driving without a valid driving licence and insurance; suspected consumption and possession of controlled drugs; and possession of scheduled weapons. Another 11 men, aged between 29 and 62, are also being investigated for possession of e-vapourisers and breaches to the Fire Safety Act 1993 and Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.
Despite improvements in Joo Chiat’s law and order situation, the Police remain vigilant. This raid is part of ongoing enforcements efforts to keep the area from slipping back into unlawful activities. The SPF, together with partner agencies, stands ready to continue safeguarding the city – even when the rest of Singapore sleeps.
“We will continue to work closely with other agencies to act swiftly against errant outlet operators and any other persons who are found to have committed unlawful activities there,” affirmed the Commanding Officer of Marine Parade Neighbourhood Police Centre, Deputy Superintendent of Police Benjamin Tan. “Any public entertainment licensing breaches and unlawful activities will be sternly dealt with by the Police.
Want to learn more about this series of enforcement operations? Click here!
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