134 individuals checked during police operation, 5 men arrested for various offences

Five men, aged between 20 and 33, for various offences during an enforcement operation against public entertainment outlets on Sept 17.

Sixteen public entertainment and nightlife establishments located along Serangoon Road, North Bridge Road, Kitchener Road, Aliwal Street, Soloman Street, Middle Road, Dunlop Street, Circular Road and Beach Road were checked.

A total of 134 individuals were also checked in the joint operation by the Central Police Division, the Criminal Investigation Department and the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Police said in a news release on Saturday (Sept 24) that five men were arrested for the following offences:

1. A 24-year-old man was arrested for being a suspected member of an unlawful society under Section 14(3) of the Societies Act 1966;

2. A 20-year-old man was arrested for suspected consumption of controlled drugs under Section 8(b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973;

3. A 25-year-old man was arrested for suspected possession of an offensive weapon in a public place under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapon Act 1958;

4. A 33-year-old man was arrested for allegedly behaving in a disorderly manner in public under Section 20 of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906; and

5. A 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly being in employment without a valid work pass under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.

Seven licensed public entertainment outlets were also found to have committed various breaches under the Public Entertainments Act 1958.

Police investigations against the five individuals and the operators of the seven public entertainment outlets are ongoing.

Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society faces a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

The offence of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place carries a jail term of up to three years and at least six strokes of the cane.

Those convicted of disorderly behaviour may face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders face a fine not exceeding $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.

Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, the offence of being in employment without a valid work pass carries a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

The police said they will not hesitate to take action against errant operators or members of the public who commit crime in public entertainment outlets.

They added: "The police will continue to carry out regular enforcement checks on public entertainment and nightlife establishments to suppress illicit activities, suppress criminal and secret society activities.

"Members of the public are also advised to steer clear of any unlawful activities, and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the police immediately."

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