LaKopiNews.com

  On January 29, 2024, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) conducted two separate operations resulting in the arrest of two men and one woman, all Singaporean nationals, for suspected drug trafficking offenses. The operations yielded a significant seizure, including 2,602g of cannabis, 346 tablets of 'Ecstasy', 498g of 'Ecstasy', 842g of 'Ice', 46g of ketamine, 11g of cocaine, 160 Erimin-5 tablets, 107 LSD stamps, and five bottles containing suspected GHB. The seizure, particularly the cannabis and 'Ice', could have supplied approximately 850 abusers for a week. In the first operation, CNB officers intercepted a vehicle on Havelock Road, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old male driver and the recovery of 955g of cannabis, 166g of 'Ecstasy', 138g of 'Ice', 24g of ketamine, 160 Erimin-5 tablets, 107 LSD stamps, and five bottles of suspected GHB. The estimated value of the seized drugs was approximately $118,000. Simultaneously, in another...

  A 54-year-old man has been arrested by the police for his alleged involvement in a housebreaking incident at a temple along Lorong 16 Geylang. The incident, reported on January 25, 2024, involved the theft of a chain. Through diligent investigations aided by CCTV and Police camera footage, officers from Bedok Police Division identified and apprehended the suspect on January 26, 2024. The stolen chain, valued at approximately $45, was recovered. The man is set to face charges of housebreaking and theft under Section 451 of the Penal Code 1871, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine. The police advise the public to take preventive measures such as securing premises with quality grilles and padlocks, avoiding keeping large sums of cash and valuables, and installing security measures like burglar alarms, motion sensor lights, and CCTVs.

  In several arrests, the police have apprehended individuals allegedly inv olved in loanshark harassment incidents across different locations in Singapore. 1st case involved a 26-year-old man arrested for his suspected role in a case at Tampines Street 71, where red paint was sprayed on a residential unit's gate. 2nd case involved a 54-year-old woman who was detained for her involvement in a similar incident at Tampines Street 44, where she claimed she was hired to perform cleaning services but ended up securing the gate with bicycle locks at the behest of an unknown caller. 3rd case involved a 41-year-old man apprehended for a case at Serangoon Avenue 4, where a debtor’s note was left behind. Investigations are ongoing, and the police emphasize their zero-tolerance stance towards loanshark harassment, stressing severe consequences for offenders who vandalize properties and disrupt public safety.

A transnational scam syndicate involved in fake friend call scams, which targeted Singaporean victims, has been dismantled in a joint operation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and the Johor Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) in Malaysia. Over 6,300 victims fell prey to these scams from January to November 2023, resulting in losses exceeding S$21.1 million. Following collaborative efforts between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), five Malaysian men, aged 19 to 36, were arrested in Johor. The syndicate, operating since June 2023, is linked to more than 500 reports with losses surpassing S$1.4 million. The suspects will face charges in Singapore, emphasizing the authorities' commitment to combat transnational scams. The public is cautioned to remain vigilant against fake friend call scams, urging caution regarding urgent financial requests from unknown callers claiming to be friends.

  Eleven men, ranging from 21 to 67 years old, are set to face charges on January 23, 2024, for their alleged involvement in separate molestation cases. The incidents occurred between April 2023 and January 2024, involving victims of various ages. Charges include outrage of modesty, criminal force, and causing hurt. The police emphasize their commitment to thoroughly investigating such cases, utilizing follow-up investigations, Police cameras, and CCTV footage. Authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual offenders, urging the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any incidents of molestation. With so much outrage of modesty and rape charges around, personally agreed with K Shanmugam regarding heavier sentencing for such offenders.

  A 34-year-old man is set to be charged on January 2024 for the alleged attempted murder of a 77-year-old woman in a Serangoon residence. The police were alerted to the case after the man reportedly pressed a pillow over the woman's face while she slept on January 16, intending to cause harm. The accused, identified as someone the elderly woman knows, has been arrested. If convicted of attempted murder resulting in harm, the man could face life imprisonment, caning, or a combination of both.

  A 49-year-old man is set to appear in court on January 22, 2024, facing charges related to unlicensed moneylending and money laundering activities. The accused, the sole proprietor of "Xpress Leasing," allegedly issued illegal loans under the guise of buying and leasing preowned mobile phones. Police investigations, triggered by multiple reports, revealed the man's illicit moneylending business conducted without a license between June and October 2020. The accused, previously convicted for similar offenses, also faces charges under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act. Over $700,000 connected to the illegal activities has been seized during the investigation. If convicted, the man could face imprisonment, fines, and caning under relevant laws.

  Police arrested two men, aged 21 and 25, for their involvement in a China Officials Impersonation Scam (COIS) after receiving reports about a 19-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man allegedly being kidnapped. The victims, originally from China, were targeted by scammers impersonating Chinese officials. The scammers demanded ransom from the victims' parents in China, threatening harm if the demands weren't met. Investigations revealed that the victims were coerced into staging kidnap scenes, including recording videos of themselves being tied up. The scammers used these videos to further extort money from their parents. The two arrested men assisted the scammers in carrying out the elaborate scam, including renting safehouses and replacing the victims' phones. Police seized evidence, including a kukri knife and ropes used in the videos. Investigations are ongoing.

  A 23-year-old ex-nurse has been apprehended in Singapore for allegedly making unauthorised transactions using the bank card details of patients under his care. The suspect, formerly employed by Woodlands Health and stationed at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, misused his position to access patients' phones for banking credentials. "The victim was awakened when he noticed an unfamiliar individual going through his personal belongings. However, due to being in a drowsy state, he was unable to inspect his belongings," stated the police, who further mentioned that officers from Jurong Police Division subsequently identified the individual and took him into custody. Investigations revealed that the individual had "breached the trust expected of a staff member in a healthcare institution" by illicitly obtaining the bank card details of patients under his care. This was accomplished by accessing the victims' phones to acquire their banking credentials, leading ...

  The Singapore Police have apprehended a 38-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man for their alleged involvement in separate cases of loanshark harassment. In the first incident on January 15, 2024, a residential unit in Tampines Street 71 was targeted, resulting in the arrest of the woman. The second case, reported on January 16, involved a debtor’s note placed on the gate of a residence along Pasir Ris Drive 6, leading to the arrest of the 48-year-old man. Both suspects will face charges under the Moneylenders Act 2008 on January 18, 2024. Loanshark harassment offenses carry severe penalties, including fines, mandatory imprisonment, and caning. The police urge the public to report any knowledge or suspicion of loansharking activities.

  Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran has been charged with 27 offences, including corruption and receiving gratification as a public servant. The charges, which were brought months after his arrest on July 11, 2023, also include obstruction of justice. Iswaran pleaded not guilty to the charges. The investigation involved property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix. Iswaran, who has been on leave of absence since the investigation began, is a veteran politician with over 26 years of political career and has been Minister for Transport since May 2021.

Kenneth Loh Jiahui, a former Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East lecturer, has been sentenced to five months and two weeks in jail for intentionally causing a 12-year-old boy to view an obscene video. Loh followed the boy into a lift at a housing block, where he showed the explicit content on his mobile phone, attempting to "tease and arouse" the minor. Dismissed from his position at ITE College East, Loh's actions were deemed persistent and lacking in remorse by the judge. The 12-year-old victim reported the incident to his mother, leading to Loh's arrest.

  A 67-year-old man with self-inflicted stab wounds was discovered unconscious on the first floor of Sun Plaza on January 15. Police received a call for assistance at 30 Sembawang Drive around 2:05 pm and found the man, who was subsequently taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Although undergoing treatment, the man's condition remains serious. Eyewitnesses reported that the individual did not communicate before causing harm to himself. Police investigations are ongoing. Do seek help should you have a mental health issue.

  Singapore is set to open the Seletar Link Flyover on January 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm, providing a vital connection between Seletar Link and the Tampines Expressway (CTE/SLE) and facilitating improved access to Punggol Town and Pulau Punggol Timor. The 1.05km flyover aims to alleviate traffic congestion, offering an alternative route for commuters traveling from Punggol Town to SLE or CTE and enhancing connectivity for industrial developments on Pulau Punggol Timor. Additionally, it will play a crucial role in linking to developments in Sengkang Town once the Sengkang West Drive is completed. Motorists are urged to plan routes in advance and follow on-site traffic signs for a smooth transition.

  In connection with the alleged theft of a motorcycle, a 23-year-old man was arrested by the Police. The victim reported the incident on December 21, 2023, stating that his motorcycle parked along South Bridge Road had been stolen. Prompt action by law enforcement led to the recovery of the stolen motorcycle on the same day along Bedok North Avenue 2. Through ground investigations and the use of CCTV and Police camera footage, officers from Central Police Division identified and apprehended the suspect on January 11, 2024, along Hougang Street 21. The man will face charges in court on January 13, 2024, for the offense of theft of a motor vehicle under Section 379A of the Penal Code 1871, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of seven years and a fine.

  In Singapore, a 52-year-old Chinese national, Zhang Xiuqiang, was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment for stealing from three passengers during a Scoot flight from Vietnam to Singapore. Zhang, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft, attempted to pilfer cash from fellow passengers' bags during the flight. Despite returning the stolen money, he received a jail term as the judge emphasized the need to deter foreigners from committing crimes aboard Singapore-bound flights. The incidents recalled a 2013 case involving Chinese nationals targeting Singapore-controlled aircraft. Zhang finds his sentences "a bit severe".

Singapore's Ministry of Health has initiated mandatory tuberculosis screening for approximately 3,000 residents and workers in Bukit Merah from 11 January 2024. This comes after detecting 10 additional cases linked to the same cluster. The cluster, centered around Block 2 Jalan Bukit Merah, has now expanded to include individuals in neighboring blocks and a nearby market. The MOH emphasizes that tuberculosis is curable, and screening aims to identify and prevent further transmission.

  Singaporean authorities have apprehended three men, aged between 23 and 50, in connection with three separate cases of loanshark harassment. In the first incident on January 1, 2024, a 50-year-old man was arrested for splashing black paint on a residential unit gate along Jalan Batu. The second case, on January 4, involved a 23-year-old man who allegedly photographed the victim's residence and handed over a mobile phone with loanshark demands in the Jalan Eunos area. The third case, reported on the same day along Yishun Avenue 6, led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man who threw a bag of pork and eggs at a residential unit door. The three individuals will face charges on January 6, 2024, under the Moneylenders Act 2008, with potential fines, imprisonment, and caning. Authorities emphasize their zero-tolerance approach to loanshark harassment and encourage the public to report such activities promptly.

  In Singapore, a snatch theft incident along Marine Terrace at 7:15 am on January 8, 2024, the police have arrested a 25-year-old suspect within seven hours of receiving the report. The man allegedly snatched a handbag from a female victim. The officers from Bedok Police Division, aided by ground enquiries and police camera footage, successfully identified and apprehended the suspect. The stolen handbag was recovered as evidence. The 25-year-old man will face charges on January 10, 2024, for snatch theft under Section 356 of the Penal Code 1871, with potential imprisonment and caning penalties. Authorities emphasize their commitment to addressing such crimes promptly and within the confines of the law.

  Lieutenant Colonel Neo Aik Chiao, a suspended member of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), has admitted to trespassing into a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) student dormitory and molesting a 21-year-old student. Neo, 47, entered the student's room in the early hours of Nov 13, 2022, under the influence of alcohol, making inappropriate advances and offering her S$1,000 to keep him company. The court heard that despite being repeatedly told to leave, Neo touched the victim's thigh and arm. He faces charges of criminal trespass and molestation, with sentencing postponed to a later date.

  Singapore private-hire driver, Low Jun Xian, has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail for engaging in voyeurism by taking upskirt videos of female passengers. Low, 36, pleaded guilty to four counts of voyeurism, admitting to capturing videos of female passengers in his private-hire vehicle between December 2022 and May 2023. Additionally, he recorded at least 88 upskirt videos of female pedestrians on escalators between November 2022 and February 2023. Low's actions were described as premeditated, and the court heard that he had planned to exploit situations where passengers would need to maneuver in his vehicle, briefly exposing themselves. The penalty for voyeurism includes up to two years in jail, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.

  Singapore Customs recently conducted a successful operation in Geylang East Avenue 1, uncovering 1,356 cartons and 3,190 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes in a truck's cargo compartment. The 32-year-old Chinese national truck driver, employed by a food company, was arrested, and both the duty-unpaid cigarettes and the truck were seized. Investigations revealed that the driver was allegedly hired through a social messaging platform to collect and deliver the illegal cigarettes. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded amounted to $179,292, and court proceedings are ongoing. Engaging in such activities is a serious offense under the Customs Act and GST Act, punishable by fines up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, along with a potential jail term of up to six years. Vehicles involved in such offenses are also subject to forfeiture.

  A 60-year-old Singaporean man, Tang Meng Huat, has been sentenced to 14 weeks in jail for assaulting a taxi driver and a police officer while intoxicated. The incident occurred when Tang, grabbed the taxi driver by the neck after he couldn't understand the drop-off instructions. The driver drove to a Hougang police centre, where Tang continued his unruly behavior, slapping a police officer four times. Tang pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt and hurting a police officer to deter him from duty. The court considered his sentence on January 8.