13 were nabbed in anti-vice raid at around 7pm in the forested areas along Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 near the Bartley viaduct in an anti-vice operation.
The operation by officers from Bedok Division of the Singapore Police Force and the Central Narcotics Bureau witness by the The New Paper (TNP) Reporter.
10 men are believed to be from India and Bangladesh, and 3 women from Thailand.
During the three-hour long operation, the suspects were arrested for wilful trespass on state land, offences under the Women’s Charter, suspected consumption of controlled drugs or for offences under the Immigration Act, Chapter 133.
An opening in the tall grass marked the entrance which led to a clearing believed to be where the illicit activities were carried out.
Discarded condoms, used tissue paper and tubes of lubricant littering the damp forest floor. Amidst tall vegetation, two mattresses were found with insects crawling around the area.
One of the women was naked when officers arrested the suspects.
The area was active from around 8pm to midnight and the women were charging $20 per customer.
By 10.30pm, the suspects had been rounded up and taken away for questioning.
After the operation, commanding officer of Tampines Neighbourhood Police Centre, Superintendent Matthew Choo, said those who think they can commit crime by operating under the cover of forested areas are sadly mistaken.
He said: “The Police will come down hard on such activities and those who take part in these illicit activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Those convicted for wilful trespass under Section 21 of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, Chapter 184, can be fined up to $1,000.
Investigations are ongoing.
Total of 132 arrested in-joint enforcement operations over the last 5 weeks for various offences.
The majority were arrested for employment related offences and being members of an unlawful society. A total of 54 public entertainment outlets and massage establishments were also found to have breached licensing conditions. Some of the public entertainment outlets were also issued with notices fire safety offences by the SCDF.
The Traffic Police also conducted enforcement operations against drink driving and arrested a total of 13 motorists.
The Police take a serious view against illegal activities and will work closely with other law enforcement agencies to clamp down these activities. Offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
