Singapore Police Conduct Over 1,400 Operations, Resulting in More Than 500 Arrests
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A comprehensive crackdown on criminal activity across Singapore during the festive season has led to the arrest of over 500 individuals, targeting offenses ranging from drink driving and vaping to illegal employment and immigration violations. The operations, conducted by officers from across the police force and multiple agencies, commenced on November 22 and culminated in a release of findings on December 27.
Year-End Operations Target Broad Spectrum of Crime
The extensive police raids were designed to deter unlawful activities during the holiday period. According to authorities, the operations focused on a wide range of offenses, including drink driving, the illegal use of vapes, drug-related crimes, breaches of employment regulations, and immigration violations. Over 15,900 individuals were checked during the period, resulting in 546 arrests.
A total of 1,771 people – 1,161 men and 610 women, aged between 15 and 88 – are currently under investigation.
Scrutiny of Public Entertainment Outlets Intensifies
The increased scrutiny of public entertainment outlets followed a December 1 announcement by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regarding the planned abolishment of the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme by June 1, 2026. This decision came after evidence of widespread abuse surfaced, with reports indicating that syndicates were exploiting the scheme by using shell companies to hire foreign performers who were then illegally employed as “freelance hostesses” in other establishments.
Between December 3 and 6, operations specifically targeted illicit activities within these outlets, as well as massage establishments, residential units, and commercial properties. Ten men and 37 women, aged 20 to 88, are currently being investigated in connection with these activities, and two massage establishments and two public entertainment outlets are also under investigation.
Enforcement Operations Witnessed Firsthand
On December 20, media accompanied authorities during an operation targeting public entertainment venues in MacPherson Road, where a 43-year-old man was found in possession of a vape. Later that evening and into the early hours of December 21, enforcement operations focused on combating drink driving. These efforts coincided with the impending implementation of enhanced penalties for speeding, set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Islandwide checks resulted in 14 arrests for various traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and driving while disqualified. Ten of these arrests were specifically for driving under the influence of alcohol. One driver was found to have a blood alcohol content of 73 micrograms per 100ml, more than double the legal limit of 35 micrograms. During the traffic enforcement operation, officers also seized 37 vapes and vape components from eight individuals.
More than 2,700 people have been fined for vape-related offenses since stricter penalties were introduced on September 1.
Car-Sharing Vehicles Also Targeted
Authorities also conducted targeted operations focusing on car-sharing vehicles. A 23-year-old man was arrested for multiple offenses, including driving without a valid license, operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without insurance, and cheating by impersonation. Additionally, two women, both 22, were found to be driving without insurance coverage.
Rise in Drink Driving Arrests Prompts Campaign
This year’s Anti-Drink Drive Campaign, launched on November 21, preceded the series of enforcement operations. Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann highlighted the continued risk posed by motorists who engage in reckless behavior. She noted a concerning increase in drink driving arrests, rising from 1,130 during the first eight months of 2024 to 1,173 during the same period in 2025.
Separate operations on November 22 targeted illegal massage parlors near Jurong East Avenue 1 and illegal horse betting activities in Bukit Batok Street 31. Three unlicensed massage outlets were discovered, leading to the arrest of 14 women. In a separate raid, nine men and one woman are being investigated for illegal gambling, with over $10,000 in cash seized.
Commitment to Public Safety
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Chan, director of the Operations Department, affirmed the authorities’ unwavering commitment to upholding the law. “These operations underscore our unwavering commitment to keeping Singapore safe, especially during the festive period,” he stated.
The comprehensive operations demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety throughout the holiday season and beyond.
