24 men between the ages of 17 and 60 were arrested by the police for various offences in a month-long operation conducted from 4 November to 30 November by the Secret Societies Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Central and Tanglin Police Divisions.
About 60 nightlife, F&B and public entertainment outlets and more than 230 people were checked during the operations by the police.
21 men were arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies, with another 3 men being arrested for offences such as carrying weapons like a truncheon, a karambitan in public; possession of vape devices, and consumption of drugs.
The police are currently investigating all 24 of the arrested men.
Potential penalties
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.