A fire broke out last night, on June 16, at approximately 11:15 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

The fire originated within a closed coffee shop located at 260 Kim Keat Avenue. Upon arrival, SCDF firefighters from Bishan Fire Station were confronted with a fierce blaze raging within the premises.

Equipped with breathing apparatus, the firefighters entered the smoke-filled coffee shop to initiate firefighting operations. The fire had spread to multiple stalls within the establishment, however, the SCDF team took control of the situation.

Utilizing two water jets, the SCDF successfully extinguished the flames. Additionally, the SCDF deployed the Pumper Firefighting Machine to facilitate smoke ventilation and improve the overall visibility within the area.

Fortunately, no individuals were present inside the coffee shop at the time of the incident. However, as a precautionary measure, seven individuals from a shop unit located opposite the coffee shop were swiftly evacuated by the police, ensuring their safety.

At the time of writing, the Singapore Civil Defence Force is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

SCDF’s press release

[Fire @ 260, Kim Keat Avenue]

Yesterday night (16 June) around 11.15 p.m., SCDF was alerted to a fire at the abovementioned location.

Upon arrival, fire can be seen raging within a closed coffee shop on the first floor. Equipped with breathing apparatus, SCDF firefighters from Bishan Fire Station entered the smoke-logged coffee shop to conduct firefighting.

The fire, which involved contents of several stalls inside the coffee shop, was extinguished by SCDF using two water jets. The Pumper Firefighting Machine was also deployed by SCDF for smoke ventilation.

No one was inside the coffee shop during the fire. Seven people from a shop unit opposite the coffee shop were evacuated by the police. There were no reported injuries.

The cause of fire is under investigation.

Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has successfully apprehended 81 suspected drug offenders in a recent island-wide drug operation conducted from June 12 to June 16, 2023.

The operation, spanning various areas including Bukit Batok, Hougang, Tampines, and Yishun, resulted in significant seizures of controlled substances and the disruption of drug trafficking networks.

During the operation, authorities managed to seize approximately 579g of heroin, 100g of ‘Ice’, 75g of cannabis, 52 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, six Erimin-5 tablets, and 90 Tapentadol tablets. These illicit drugs have an estimated street value of about $60,600.

One notable arrest took place on June 13, 2023, when CNB officers apprehended a 61-year-old Singaporean man for suspected drug trafficking offences in a residential unit located in the vicinity of Tampines Street 43.

Due to the individual’s refusal to comply with lawful orders to open the door, forced entry was necessary. Upon searching the premises, authorities discovered and seized 469g of heroin, 42g of ‘Ice’, 18g of cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and a sum of cash amounting to $4,786.20.

CNB’s press release

81 Suspected Drug Offenders Arrested in Island-wide Operation

Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) arrested 81 suspected drug offenders in an island-wide drug operation from 12 to 16 June 2023. During the operation, controlled drugs of about 579g of heroin, 100g of ‘Ice’, 75g of cannabis, 52 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, six Erimin-5 tablets and 90 Tapentadol tablets were seized. These drugs have an estimated street value of about $60,600.

2. Some of the areas covered during this island-wide operation included Bukit Batok, Hougang, Tampines and Yishun.

13 June 2023: Singaporean man arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences

3. In the morning of 13 June, CNB officers arrested a 61-year-old man for suspected drug trafficking offences in a residential unit in the vicinity of Tampines Street 43. Forced entry was effected as the man refused to heed the lawful orders of CNB officers to open the door. About 469g of heroin, 42g of ‘Ice’, 18g of cannabis, cash amounting to $4,786.20 and various drug paraphernalia were seized from within the unit.
4. Under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, it is an offence for a person, on his or her own behalf, or on behalf of any other person, whether or not that other person is in Singapore, to traffic in a controlled drug, offer to traffic in a controlled drug; or to do or offer to do any act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled drug. If a person is found guilty of trafficking more than 15g of pure heroin (diamorphine), he or she may face the mandatory death penalty.

Photo 1 (CNB): A suspected drug offender arrested by CNB officers in island-wide drug operation from 12 to 16 June 2023.

5. Investigations into all arrested suspects are ongoing.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
16 June 2023

A number of Android users fell victim to scams involving malware, resulting in the loss of $99,800 from their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings.

The police have issued a warning about these fraudulent activities, highlighting the need for caution while engaging with advertisements and downloading files on social media platforms.

How the Scams Were Executed

The victims encountered enticing advertisements promoting groceries, particularly seafood, on various social media platforms, including Facebook. Eager to make a purchase, they contacted the businesses through social media or WhatsApp.

In response, the scammers provided the victims with a URL to download an Android Package Kit (APK) file. APK files are designed for Android’s operating system and are typically used to install applications from third-party sources.

It is important to note that apps or APK files downloaded from the Internet or third-party sources can contain phishing malware. Unfortunately, the victims were unaware that the seemingly harmless application they downloaded contained malware.

This malicious software enabled the scammers to gain remote access to the victims’ devices and steal sensitive information, including passwords and Singpass passcodes, which are crucial for accessing CPF accounts.

Once the scammers had control over the victims’ devices, they resorted to further deception. Posing as legitimate representatives, the scammers would call the victims and request their Singpass passcodes, under the pretext of creating an account within the application.

Unknowingly, the victims provided the scammers with the passcodes, believing they were engaging in a genuine transaction.

With the stolen Singpass passcodes, the scammers gained remote access to the victims’ CPF accounts. They exploited this access to initiate fund withdrawals through PayNow, a convenient mobile payment system.

The victims’ CPF funds were transferred to their bank accounts as part of the withdrawal process. Seizing this opportunity, the scammers accessed the victims’ bank applications and swiftly transferred the funds out via PayNow, leaving the victims shocked and deceived.

Awareness and Vigilance

To prevent falling victim to such scams, it is crucial to exercise caution and be aware of the potential dangers. The police have emphasized the risks associated with downloading apps from third-party or dubious sites, as these often result in the installation of malware on computers, mobile phones, and other devices.

Therefore, it is strongly advised to refrain from downloading any suspicious APK files that may contain phishing malware.

To enhance security and protect against scams, it is recommended to regularly update devices with the latest security patches. These updates often include vital security improvements that can safeguard against emerging threats.

By ensuring devices are up to date, users can reduce the risk of malware infiltration and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

In the unfortunate event of falling victim to a scam, it is imperative to take immediate action. Victims should promptly report any fraudulent transactions to their respective banks, providing all necessary details to aid in the investigation and recovery process.

Additionally, it is advisable to visit the official scam alert website, www.scamalert.sg, for more information and contact

Similar case

On the 17th of June, an elderly 88-year-old Singaporean man was discovered in a weak and feeble condition by a passer-by at the carpark of Johor Bahru (JB) Sentral.

As per a post on Facebook, an individual shared their encounter with an elderly man at JB Sentral’s carpark slightly after noon on Saturday, the 17th of June.

According to the post, the elderly man appeared to be alone and disoriented. He seemed weak and could only manage to sit on the ground.

The Facebook post included photographs of the elderly man as well as his identification documents, such as his NRIC and other documents like his Passion card.

The original poster mentioned that the elderly man had been sitting in the carpark for four hours, from 8 am until 12 in the afternoon.

Noticing the visibly exhausted state of the elderly individual, the original poster reportedly assisted him by moving him to the side of the carpark entrance.

At 1 pm, the original poster provided an update stating that they had handed the elderly man over to the police to follow up with helping him presumably get home.

Expressing concern for his safe return home, a Facebook user commented on a Facebook post by 8World News covering the incident and mentioned that she had helped carry the elderly man’s luggage.

It remains unclear whether she assisted him in returning to Singapore, but she did mention disembarking at Marsiling MRT station.

Here is what the netizen said on Facebook (translated)

Does anyone know this uncle, he can only speak Hokkien, sg citizen. Trying to ask his family to contact him he didn’t understand. I met him at jb sentral motor parking, he was from 8. Up to 12 now. When I found uncle, he was unable to walk and sat on the ground, and had helped him to sit next to the motor entrance and exit. What should I do?

Netizens’ comments

1. The police came to help uncle, and I handed him over to them later, thank you
2. IC behind got Singapore address…. bring him go Singapore custom, pass to custom Officer to handle….
3. Contact the Singapore Embassy for help. Their office is there in City square.