156 investigated for various offences after multi-agency operation

A total of 132 men and 24 women, aged between 17 and 81, are being investigated for various offences following a week-long multi-agency joint operation.

The operation was conducted between Mar 24 and 31 and was led by Jurong Police Division, supported by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Customs.

It covered various locations in Jurong West, Tuas, Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok.

The police said in a statement that a total of 41 men and four women, aged between 18 and 80, are being investigated for their involvement in offences including vice-related activities, drug-related offences, traffic-related offences and being a member of a secret society.

As part of the enforcement efforts against illegal bookmaking and gambling activities, 44 men and two women, aged between 32 and 81, are being investigated for offences under the Betting Act and Common Gaming Houses Act.

Cash amounting to about $4,500, betting and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized.

Another 24 men and 11 women, aged between 23 and 79, are being investigated for assisting in loansharking activities and loan scams.

In addition, 18 men and seven women, aged between 17 and 61, are also being investigated for e-commerce scams and commercial crime offences.

They are believed to be involved in 54 cases reported island-wide, involving a sum of more than $374,000.

In joint operations with ICA and Singapore Customs, five men, aged between 25 and 41, were arrested for offences under the Customs Act and Immigration Act as well.

A total of 27 packets of tobacco, one carton, four packets and 26 sticks of assorted brands of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized.

Investigations against all suspects are ongoing.

Commander of Jurong Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Shee Tek Tze, said, "This joint operation led by Jurong Police Division is part of our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.

"The Police will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to take tough enforcement actions against those are involved in criminal activities."