87 arrested for vice, drink driving in Geylang police operation

SINGAPORE - 87 people were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

During the operation on Feb 6, officers carried out a series of targeted raids and proactive checks at various locations including shophouses, coffee shops and back-alleys of Geylang. Road blocks were also set up in the vicinity.

78 women, aged between 17 and 52, were arrested for vice-related activities, while 25 motorists were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption at the road-block points.

Among the 25 motorists, 9 of them, all men aged between 25 and 57, were arrested for drink-driving.

The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 56 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is more than the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations and Intelligence), Tan Chye Hee said, "Working with other law enforcement agencies, we will continue to take tough enforcement action against those pre-disposed to crime and illegal activities."

Investigations about the case are ongoing.

Drink drivers, if convicted, will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months.

In addition, first-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 and can have their driving licences disqualified for a period of 12 to 48 months, depending on their BEA test results.

Repeat offenders may be punished with a maximum fine of $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also be caned up to six strokes should death or serious injury be caused.

stephluo@sph.com.sg