From HDB unit to a bungalow in Bukit Timah – a firsthand look at the SPF’s efforts to tackle illegal gambling activities in Singapore’s neighbourhoods.
By: K Shreeyaa
Break the law and you’re bound to draw a losing hand.
From 5 to 8 March 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) spearheaded a series of multi-agency enforcement operations across various locations in Singapore. Areas targeted included Toa Payoh, Novena, Bukit Timah Road, Orchard Road, Balestier Road and Selegie Road.
Led by Tanglin Police Division, the operations were supported by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and Housing & Development Board (HDB).
The mission? To crack down on illicit activities lurking beneath the city’s bustling exterior. On 6 March 2025, Police Life followed officers on an enforcement operation targeting illegal gambling activities. Here’s what we saw!
2300 Hours: The Raid Begins
Just before midnight, officers made their way to the first location: a residential unit in a HDB block at Toa Payoh. Executed with stealth and purpose, the operation left neighbours in the dark about the situation unfolding near them.
Once the signal was given, the officers swiftly secured the unit, with several positioned at the front door to keep watch. Inside the brightly lit living room, other officers had gathered the suspects for further questioning.
A mahjong table stood in the middle of one of the rooms of the raided unit, its tiles still laid out from the game that had been interrupted by the officers’ sudden arrival. Chips in place of cash lie scattered on the green felt table.
After the initial round of questioning had been completed the officers rounded up the suspects and secured all the gambling paraphernalia as evidence for investigations, then quickly proceeded onto their next location.
0000 Hours: Another Gambling Den Uncovered
Nestled within the lush greenery of a landed neighbourhood in Bukit Timah, the two-storey bungalow exuded an air of exclusivity. Its facade, framed by towering trees, offered no hint about the illegal activities taking place within.
This serenity was disrupted within moments as officers strode inside to quickly secure the premises. Startled, a number of suspects stood up and looked about to flee.
“Police! Stay where you are!” instructed the officers.
The suspects exchanged glances, then sat back down in resignation.
One female suspect who did try to walk away was quickly apprehended and brought back into the bungalow. The officers then began their work of securing evidence and questioning the suspects.
The suspects were of various ages, and their mood was sombre. As the investigations proceeded into the early hours, they were asked about their involvement in illicit activities and had their statements recorded.
The officers also meticulously documented items found at the scene, making sure that nothing was overlooked. Gambling-related paraphernalia, mobile phones and bundles of chips were seized as evidence.
Keeping Our Neighbourhoods Crime-free
The enforcement operation wrapped up in the early hours of the morning. Taking into account another raid in the vicinity of Novena, a total of 23 men and five women were arrested under the Gambling Control Act 2022 within the same day.
This series of joint enforcement operations demonstrates the Police’s commitment to keep our streets safe from illegal and criminal activities. “We’ll continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to take tough actions against those involved in illicit activities,” said Commander of Tanglin Police Division, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheong Chee Ming. “Offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.”
Want to learn more about this series of enforcement operations? Click here!
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