For the second time in two weeks, a massive multi-agency operation led by the Criminal Investigation Department swept through Geylang and Orchard Road yesterday, sending a strong signal that there was no safe haven for criminals. The operation, which commenced yesterday evening and ended early this morning, lasted 7 hours and saw more than 300 officers from the Singapore Police Force, the Central Narcotics Bureau, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore Customs working together.

158 persons were arrested for a variety of criminal offences such as gang-related activites, immigration offences, illegal employment, peddling of contraband cigarettes, vice-related activities, and consumption of controlled drugs. Fire safety violations and public entertainment licensing breaches were also detected. The arrests were made at various locations including entertainment outlets, hotels, at back lanes, lodging house and also along the road at Geylang and Orchard Road.

SAC Ng Boon Gay, Director, Criminal Investigation Department expressed his appreciation to all agencies for their strong support and praised all officers involved for their dedication and good coordination. He added, “Yet again, this bears testimony that we will not tolerate illicit activities on our streets. Together with our Home Team partners and partners from various agencies, the police will continue to exert pressure on these criminal elements. All persons arrested will be appropriately dealt with by the law.”

Investigations against those arrested are ongoing.