50 People Under Investigation After Geylang Multi-Agency Raids

SINGAPORE - A total of 50 individuals, comprising 47 men and three women aged between 21 and 73, are under investigation for various offences following enforcement operations in Singapore's Geylang area, the police announced in a news release on Monday (Oct 23).

The 11-day multi-agency raids, led by Bedok Police Division, took place between Sep 29 and Oct 9.

In one operation targeting illegal gambling, officers from the police and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) raided an industrial building unit along Sims Avenue. Twenty-four men and one woman are now being investigated for offences under the Gambling Control Act, with more than S$4,000 in cash and gambling paraphernalia seized.

Those found guilty of gambling with others in an unlawful place could face fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both. Conducting unlawful betting, gaming, or lottery operations could result in fines up to S$200,000 and imprisonment up to five years.

SEX ENHANCEMENT PRODUCTS

Separately, a three-day series of operations along Lorong 20 and Lorong 22 in Geylang led to officers from the Health Sciences Authority, ICA, and Central Narcotics Bureau confiscating more than an estimated S$11,000 worth of cough syrup, sexual enhancement medicines, and other illegal supplements.

Two men are being investigated for potentially importing, manufacturing, and/or supplying unregistered health products. If found guilty, they could face up to two years in jail, fines up to S$50,000, or both.

Police also raided a massage establishment along Geylang Road, arresting a 48-year-old woman for a vice-related offence. Another 67-year-old woman is being investigated for offences under the Massage Establishments Act.

Under the Women’s Charter, those found guilty of prostitution-related offences face up to seven years in jail and fines up to S$100,000. Knowingly renting out premises for vice-related activities could result in fines up to S$100,000, up to five years in jail, or both.

Providing massage services without a valid licence could lead to fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.

UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Bedok Police Division also arrested two men, aged 23 and 38, at public entertainment outlets along Geylang Road and Geylang Lorongs. If found guilty of being members of an unlawful society, they could face fines up to S$5,000, imprisonment up to three years, or both.

Eight men and one woman were also detained after an operation in Geylang by the Land Transport Authority against illegally modified personal mobility devices and power-assisted bicycles. Two of these bicycles were confiscated, and the suspects are being investigated for various offences under the Active Mobility Act. Illegally modifying their vehicles could result in fines up to S$5,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both.

The final enforcement operation was conducted by officers from Singapore Customs on Oct 9. Ten men were issued composition sums and advisories for possessing duty-unpaid cigarettes. A total of 16 packets and 72 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized.

A composition sum generally cannot exceed half of the maximum fine for that offence or S$5,000, whichever is lower. Possessing duty-unpaid goods could result in fines up to 40 times the amount of duty and goods and services tax evaded, imprisonment up to six years, or both.

Superintendent of Police Muhammad Firdaus Bin Abdul Raub, commanding officer of Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre, urged the public to report those engaging in unlawful activities. “The police will continue to work closely with other enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal activities, strengthen community ties, and keep our neighbourhood safe and secure,” he added.

Source: CNA/wk(jo)

The ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in Geylang are crucial for the safety and security of the community, including the residents and businesses of Geylang Properties.