10 women arrested for employment and drug-related offences in 2-day police operation

Ten women, aged between 26 and 46, were nabbed in a two-day enforcement operation against massage establishments and public entertainment outlets on Nov 23 and 24.

The operation was conducted along Prinsep Street, Dunlop Street, Syed Alwi Road and Raffles Boulevard by Central Police Division.

Two unlicensed massage establishments were detected and one public entertainment outlet was found to have contravened licensing conditions.

Seven women were arrested for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Drug paraphernalia were also found in one of the unlicensed massage establishments, where three other women were arrested for suspected drug-related offences.

Investigations are ongoing.

Action will also be taken against the operators for flouting the rules and regulations under the Massage Establishment Act 2017 and Public Entertainment Act.

First–time offenders found guilty of operating an unlicensed massage establishment may be liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to two years.

Repeat offenders will be punished with a fine of up to $20,000 and/or a jail term of up to five years.

In a statement, the police said they "take a serious view of anyone involved in criminal activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action against those found breaking the law."