A 45-year-old lorry driver was arrested for attempting to bribe a Police officer yesterday. The man, who was caught for drink driving and drug offences, offered officer cash in return for a let-off. However, the officer steadfastly refused the bribe.

On 13 June 2010 at about 12.30am, Police received a call informing us that a lorry driver appeared to have fainted in his vehicle along Pasir Ris Drive 1. Station Inspector David Tan Boon Leong and his teammate were dispatched to attend to the incident. Upon their arrival, the lorry passenger was seen exiting the vehicle and attempting to hail a taxi. The officers stopped him and carried out a check, upon which three packets of contraband cigarettes were found on him.

A subsequent check of the lorry revealed the driver to be in a semi-conscious state and smelling strongly of alcohol. A plastic bag containing a white powdery substance, believed to be a controlled drug, was also found. The driver was thus placed under arrest for drink driving and possession and consumption of controlled drugs. His passenger was also arrested, for possession of contraband cigarettes and consumption of controlled drugs.

Upon being placed under arrest, the driver told SI David that he was carrying a large amount of cash, and offered it to SI David in return for letting him off. However, SI David refused to be bought and arrested the driver for attempting to bribe a public servant. The case has since been referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

Commander of Bedok Police Division, DAC Teo Chun Ching, commended SI David for upholding a high level of integrity.