On 8 November 2024, a multi-agency enforcement operation took place against errant public entertainment outlets.

12 men and three women, aged between 19 and 63, were arrested for various offences, including working without a valid work permit, suspected drink driving, suspected use and possession of controlled drugs and possession of programmed weapons.

Two entertainment outlets are also being investigated for breaching license conditions for public entertainment.

A further 11 men, aged between 29 and 62, are also being investigated for possessing e-vapes and breaching the Fire Safety Act 1993 and the Public Environmental Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.

The operation was led by the Bedok Police Division and supported by officers from the Traffic Police, the Police K9 unit, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) , the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) were driven into the vicinity of Joo Chiat.

The Traffic Police also supported the operation by carrying out ringfencing operations.

Restriction of illegal activities

In a press release to the media, the Singapore Police Force said that while the law and order situation in Joo Chiat has improved over the years, it remains a hot spot for public entertainment establishments.

As such, the police conduct regular law enforcement operations to keep the situation under control.

“This multi-agency law enforcement operation is part of the Bedok Police Division’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illicit activities and regulatory offenses in the area.”

15 arrested in a raid

The raid began at 9.30pm on 8 November and extended into the early hours of 9 November until 2.30am.

When Mothership Arriving at the scene after midnight, police raided three entertainment outlets with several men and women arrested.

A man was arrested at a point of sale on suspicion of consumption and possession of controlled drugs.

The man seemed agitated, often looking up and immediately turning his head away.

Two women were arrested at the same outlet for working without a valid work permit.

The women looked down as the press snapped photos.

The media were kept out of the second entertainment venue as patrons were rowdy and appeared to be complaining.

As part of the enforcement operation, the traffic police also stopped vehicles and detained three for drug trafficking and trafficking offences.

One of the men shook his leg constantly as he spoke to the officers.

The police K9 unit was activated to conduct further checks during which several drugs were successfully located inside the vehicle.

The police will deal severely with those who break the laws

After the raid, Marine Parade Police Station Commander Deputy Superintendent of Police Benjamin Tan spoke to the media.

“Any violation of the public entertainment license and illegal activities will be dealt with severely by the police,” he said.

Continuous efforts by government agencies and the community over the years have led to improvements in the law and order situation in Joo Chiat, he added.

“We will continue to work closely with other agencies to take swift action against errant shop operators and anyone else found to have been carrying out illegal activities there.”

offenses

Here are all the penalties for the crimes of the people and entertainment outlets investigated:

Top photos by Khine Zin Htet/Mothership