A massive search operation involving over 100 police officers was launched on May 9 after a Certis auxiliary police officer failed to return his revolver and 10 bullets after completing his shift at Changi Airport.
According to a police briefing on May 10, the 27-year-old Singaporean man, who holds the rank of sergeant, was arrested within 2.5 hours of the report being lodged at 9:50 pm on May 9. The swift response was made possible by the activation of units from the Criminal Investigation Department and Special Operations Command.
The officer had begun his shift at 7:45 am on May 9 and ended it at 7:45 pm the same day. However, he failed to return his equipment by 8:30 pm, triggering an alert from the armoury system at around 8:35 pm. Closed-circuit television footage showed him leaving the airport in civilian clothes before the police arrived.
The officer was found to be carrying a fully loaded Taurus revolver with five bullets, a speed loader with another five bullets, and a baton in a pouch. He was spotted wandering aimlessly in a shopping mall on Victoria Street past midnight, where he was eventually arrested.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Zhang Weihan condemned the officer’s actions, stating that he had demonstrated a “blatant disregard for the law” and had “abused the firearms entrusted to him for his duties.” He praised the police officers for their tireless efforts in securing the swift arrest and ensuring public safety.
The officer will be charged on May 11 with the offence of unlawful carrying of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and caning. The police intend to send the suspect for psychiatric assessment.
The motive behind the officer’s actions remains unclear, and it is unknown what he planned to do with the weapon.