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The Police have arrested ten men and one woman, aged between 20 and 35, for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling activities, non-compliance with safe distancing measures (SDM) and other offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

On 18 June 2021, officers from Tanglin Police Division conducted an operation at a residential unit along Zion Road and found 11 persons purportedly gathering and engaging in gambling-related activities. They were subsequently arrested for their suspected involvement in offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and Misuse of Drugs Act. Substances believed to be controlled drugs, cash and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized. The 11 persons will be investigated for non-compliance of SDM under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. Police investigations are ongoing.

Eight of the men were also found to be in possession of e-vaporisers and were referred to the Health Sciences Authority for investigations under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.

Under the Common Gaming Houses Act, the offence of using a place as a common gaming house is punishable with a fine between $5,000 and $50,000 and with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. The offence of gaming in a common gaming house is punishable with a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

For non-compliance with SDM under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, those found guilty may be punished with a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

The Police take a serious view against all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action against those involved, in accordance with the law. Members of public are advised not to engage in any form of illegal gambling and to comply with the prevailing SDM.