From hair salons and public entertainment outlets to roadblocks, Police Life shadows officers during an enforcement operation targeting illegal activities.
By: Domnic Dass and Hoon Jeng Jee
In a two-day enforcement sweep across Geylang and Joo Chiat, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) arrested 19 individuals and placed six others under investigation for various offences. Conducted on 20 and 27 June 2025, the operations were part of the SPF's ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in these areas.
Police Life joined officers on 27 June 2025, when Bedok Police Division led a multi-agency enforcement operation in Geylang to clamp down on regulatory offences and illegal activities. The SPF was supported by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Civil Defence Force. Traffic Police (TP) officers also conducted anti-drink driving enforcement checks along roads in the area.
The operation unfolded in the early hours with officers moving swiftly between locations, conducting surprise checks at public entertainment outlets and setting up strategic roadblocks. Their mission: to clamp down illegal activities and maintain public safety in these bustling districts.
Geylang: From Briefing to the First Hit
Just before midnight, officers assembled at Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) for a detailed briefing. Police Life was present to document how the enforcement operation unfolded over the next six hours.
Officers leading the enforcement outlined the evening’s objectives. Following the briefing, the teams quickly proceeded to their designated vehicles and departed for the first location. Their target: a hair salon that was operating massage services without a valid licence and beyond stipulated hours, in violation of Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act 2017.
During checks, officers also uncovered several fire safety violations, including non-maintained fire extinguishers and hose reels, along with obstructed emergency escape routes.
Music Off, Mission On
After securing the hair salon, the officers swiftly proceeded to the next location: a public entertainment outlet 10 minutes away.
Bright signage illuminated the exterior of the establishment. In a coordinated move, the teams systematically secured the premises and conducted identity checks on those working at the outlet.
A hush had fallen over the outlet. In a cramped backroom, a number of female subjects had been detained for further investigations. Officers checked their particulars and carefully recorded statements. Only quiet murmurs and the steady scratch of pens could be heard.
With all the lights switched on, the public entertainment outlet – just moments ago filled with revelry – was now a scene of calm professionalism. The lingering scent of cigarette smoke and alcohol served as the only reminder of past scenes.
Within an hour, officers concluded their enforcement operation at the public entertainment outlet, arresting 10 female subjects for working without valid work passes under Section 5(2) of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
Eyes on the Road, Nose on the Ground
Past midnight, TP officers established a strategic roadblock along one of Geylang’s arterial streets. Their distinctive white uniforms stood out under the streetlights as they systematically conducted vehicle checks. Officers wielding traffic wands directed a steady stream of vehicles into designated zones for inspection. Here, drivers underwent mandatory breathalyser tests.
That night, seven motorists were arrested for drink-driving offences under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Among them was a 26-year-old man found driving without a valid licence and insurance coverage.
Little escaped the officer’s attention. During the enforcement operation, a 48-year-old male motorcyclist was found to have duty-unpaid cigarettes as well as e-vaporisers and related components in his possession.
The motorcyclist was placed under arrest for suspected drug-related offences. The suspected drug-related offences have been referred to CNB, while the duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers related findings have been referred to Singapore Customs and the Health Sciences Authority respectively.
Safer Neighbourhoods
The operation in Geylang was part of a larger enforcement effort that extended to Joo Chiat. At public entertainment outlets across both locations, two other female subjects were arrested for working without a valid work pass under Section 5(2) of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990. Two public entertainment outlets in Joo Chiat were found to have their performing artistes mingling with patrons, leading to investigations under Section 28(1)(c) of the Public Entertainment Act 1985.
"The operations show the Police's commitment to stamp out illegal activities,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Wong, Commander of Bedok Police Division. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will work to keep the Geylang and Joo Chiat areas safe and secure. The Police will take firm action against those who blatantly disregard the law."
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