43 people under probe after raids to clamp down on illegal activities in Geylang

A total of 31 men and 12 women, aged between 33 and 75, are being investigated for various offences following a multi-agency enforcement operation conducted from May 21 to 26.

The operation was led by Bedok Police Division and supported by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Customs, Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

The police said in a statement that it aimed to clamp down on illegal activities in Geylang, including illegal gambling, vice activities, sale of illegal sexual enhancement medication and illegal street hawking.

Eighteen suspects, aged between 39 and 75, are being investigated for illegal gambling. 

More than $3,400 in cash, computer terminals and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized.

Two men, aged 32 and 51, are being probed under the Health Products Act after officers seized unregistered cough syrup and sexual enhancement products worth $37,440.

Another two men, aged 36 and 60, were allegedly found operating massage establishments without valid licences. Nine women were arrested for offences under the Women's Charter.

The police added that a 26-year-old man was arrested under the Societies Act during checks at public entertainment outlets.

Singapore Customs officers arrested a 64-year-old man for dealing in contraband cigarettes and issued a composition sum to a 66-year-old man for possessing illegal cigarettes. Nine cartons, 51 packets and 12 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized.

A 60-year-old man was allegedly involved in the illegal hawking of satay without a valid licence from the Singapore Food Agency. Raw satay meat and packets of sauce were seized for investigations.

When Land Transport Authority officers conducted an operation targeting illegally modified personal mobility devices and power-assisted bicycles, six men aged between 20 and 30 were allegedly found to have committed offences under the Road Traffic Act and Active Mobility Act. One personal mobility device and three power-assisted bicycles were seized.

Another two men, aged between 36 and 40, are assisting with investigations for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Commanding officer of Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Raub expressed his appreciation to all the agencies involved for their strong support and commended the offices for their professionalism and excellent teamwork during the operation.

He said: "The police will continue to work closely with other enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal activities."