On December 31, 2022, Criminal Investigation Department detectives searched 107 people at Sentosa, Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, and numerous public entertainment and nightlife businesses around Singapore.
The operation resulted in the seizure of multiple weapons which included
- push dagger
- knife
- knuckle duster
At least 8 people were arrested, 6 of which were arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies.
Two were arrested for carrying a scheduled weapon in public and carrying an offensive weapon in public.
Penalties:
For the possession of a scheduled weapon under Section 7(1)(a) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 in a public place under Section 22A (1) of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906.
The offence for possession of a scheduled weapon carries an imprisonment term not exceeding five years and caning of not less than six strokes. The offence of carrying a truncheon in a public place carries an imprisonment term not exceeding one month, a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both.
It is an offence to be a member of an unlawful society under Section 14(3) of the Societies Act 1966 and Section 34(7)(a) of the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.
Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$5,000, or both.
The Police have zero tolerance towards secret society activities and will not hesitate to take strong actions, including invoking the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act that provides for detention without trial, against anyone involved in secret society and criminal activities that threatens the public safety, peace and good order.
Members of the public are advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the Police immediately.
Persons found guilty of animal cruelty, face a jail term of up to 18 months, and/or a fine of up to $15,000.
Repeat offenders face a jail term of up to 3 years, and/or a fine of up to $30,000.