SINGAPORE - In a significant multi-agency operation conducted between August 23 and September 1, a total of 41 individuals are now under investigation for their involvement in a variety of illicit activities in the notorious Geylang area.

The extensive crackdown was executed collaboratively by several enforcement units, including the Singapore Police Force, the Health Sciences Authority, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Singapore Food Agency, and Singapore Customs. This robust initiative aimed to tackle a broad spectrum of illegal activities, including gambling, vice operations, the illegal sale of health products, drug-related offenses, and unauthorized hawking.

Targeted Demographics

Among those under investigation are 22 men and 19 women, aged between 20 and 78 years. Additionally, 14 individuals were fined during the operations, signifying the strict enforcement of regulations in the area.

Thorough Checks and Findings

To uphold public safety, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Bedok Police Division, and Central Narcotics Bureau conducted thorough checks at various venues including public entertainment establishments, massage parlors, and hotels, particularly focusing on Geylang Road and its adjacent lorongs. Notably, five entertainment outlets along Geylang Road and Aljunied Road were found in breach of licensing conditions, resulting in fines for four licensees while one remains under further investigation.

Crackdown on Illegal Massage Parlors

The crackdown on illicit massage parlors unveiled alarming practices, as two establishments were found operating unlawfully, leading to investigations of two men aged 45 and 57.

Gambling Operations

During these enforcement operations, law enforcement agencies also made arrests related to illegal gambling activities. On August 25, operations in Ubi Avenue 3 and Ubi Road 2 resulted in the arrest of five men and four women linked to gambling offenses, with an additional seven men currently under investigation. Those caught gambling with illegal service providers face hefty penalties, with fines potentially reaching up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.

Confiscation of Unregistered Health Products

In a striking revelation, a joint operation from August 26 to 29 confiscated unregistered health products, including cough syrups valued at approximately $9,100. The three men involved, aged 23 to 33, could face serious repercussions, with potential jail time up to two years and fines up to $50,000 if convicted.

Customs Enforcement

Singapore Customs also contributed to the enforcement efforts, issuing composition sums to ten men for possessing duty-unpaid cigarettes on August 29. On the same day, LTA officers targeted modified Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs), resulting in the investigation of two individuals aged 23 and 72, and the impounding of one PMD and one PAB.

Commitment to Community Safety

Law enforcement agencies have vowed to persist in their collective efforts to eradicate illegal activities in Geylang. "Offenders will face the full force of the law," authorities declared, as they ramp up operations to ensure community safety.

Conclusion

This operation sheds light on the continued struggle against illegal activities that plague urban areas, emphasizing the need for persistent vigilance and enforcement to uphold the rule of law. As regulatory bodies intensify their crackdowns, the question remains: How far-reaching will their efforts be in curbing crime in Geylang?