38 investigated for having social gatherings in 2 separate cases, 4 teens nabbed for suspected drug-related offences

The police are investigating 28 men and 10 women, aged between 14 and 39, for allegedly breaching safe distancing measures after they were found gathering at illegal public entertainment outlets in two separate incidents.

In the first case on May 16, the police conducted an operation at an industrial unit along Jalan Besar.

Seven men and two women, aged between 20 and 27, were allegedly found consuming alcohol and socialising within the unit.

Public entertainment and liquor were believed to have been provided at the venue without a valid licence. Karaoke equipment was also found at the unit and seized by the police.

A 27-year-old man, believed to be the operator of the unit, will be investigated for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.

In the second case on May 22, the police conducted an operation at an office unit along Paya Lebar Road.

Eight women and 21 men, aged between 14 and 39, were allegedly found consuming alcohol and socialising within the unit.

Similarly, public entertainment and liquor were believed to have been provided at the venue without a valid licence. Karaoke equipment was found at the unit and seized by the police.

Four men, aged between 15 and 18, were arrested and will be investigated for suspected drug-related offences.

The 15-year-old male, believed to be the operator of the unit, will also be investigated for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.

Investigations are ongoing for both incidents.

The offences of providing public entertainment and supplying liquor without a valid licence each carry a fine of up to $20,000.

"Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously," said the police in a statement on Saturday (May 29).

For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to $10,000.

The police also said they take a stern view of abusive and irresponsible behaviours relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures, and that offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.