The Singapore Police Force (SPF) spearheaded a series of intensive, multi-agency enforcement operations between the late hours of December 3 and 6, 2025, aimed at clamping down on criminal activities across various locations.
The operations were a collaborative effort, led by the Tanglin Police Division, and involved officers from several other law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the Health Sciences Authority, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). This joint approach allowed for comprehensive checks targeting various illicit activities simultaneously.
A single night of operations, specifically on December 3, 2025, saw officers hitting locations in both Whampoa and Orchard Road, resulting in the arrest of 37 individuals for suspected offenses such as illegal gambling and vice-related activities.
Whampoa: Targeting Illegal Gambling
In the Whampoa operation, officers focused on rooting out possible offenders for illegal gambling within a coffee shop located in a neighborhood along Whampoa Drive. The arrival of Police officers quickly quietened the establishment as enforcement checks were carried out on patrons. Officers questioned suspects at several tables, while evidence, including bundles of cash and other items, was packed into clear bags for processing. Of the individuals questioned, two were suspected to be bookmakers, while the remainder were believed to have been placing bets. Following these checks, a total of eight individuals, whose ages ranged from 59 to 88 years old, were arrested for suspected offenses under the Gambling Control Act 2022. A concerning find was also made on one of the arrested individuals, who was found to be in possession of a knife, an offense punishable under the Penal Code 1871. Once investigations at the scene concluded, all eight suspects were escorted to Police vans.
Orchard Road: Public Entertainment Vice
Immediately after concluding the Whampoa operation, officers proceeded to their next target: a public entertainment outlet, specifically an unobtrusive KTV lounge located at Far East Shopping Centre on Orchard Road. The typically lively and noisy environment inside the KTV lounge turned hushed as officers secured the area. Moving through narrow hallways, officers separated suspected hostesses and patrons into different rooms for questioning. Inside two rooms, female subjects were observed covering their faces as officers verified their particulars. Patrons in the other rooms were also checked and questioned. The operation resulted in the arrest of 22 female subjects for offenses under the Women’s Charter 1961 and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
Fighting Crime: Additional Arrests
The series of enforcement operations continued, targeting other locations. Police efforts to curb illegal gambling activities extended to Toa Payoh, leading to the arrest of an additional three individuals. Furthermore, at another public entertainment outlet located along Orchard Road, four more women were arrested for similar offenses as those identified at Far East Shopping Centre, likely falling under the Women’s Charter and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
Commander of the Tanglin Police Division, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheong Chee Ming, emphasized the significance of these efforts. He stated that the successful clampdown demonstrates the SPF’s steadfast commitment to keeping Singapore's streets safe. "We will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to take tough actions against those involved in illicit activities," he stated, adding a firm warning: "Offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law."
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