7 arrested for setting off improvised explosive devices

SINGAPORE: Police have arrested seven people — six men and a woman aged between 22 and 26 — for setting off improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Yishun Avenue 1.

On Sunday, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division responded to a call at about 4am informing them of a group of people seen setting up fireworks.

Police interviewed the group and they were found to be using improvised explosive devices constructed from sparklers.

They were placed under arrest and some burnt sparklers were seized as case exhibits.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police said while the importation and sale of some types of sparklers are legal in Singapore, the use of sparklers should be done in a responsible manner according to the safety guidelines prescribed by the manufacturer.

Anyone caught setting off improvised explosive devices may be prosecuted in court for either an offence of negligent conduct with respect to any fire or combustible matter, or negligent conduct with respect to any explosive substance.

If convicted of either offence, the offender could be jailed up to a year, fined up to S$5,000, or both.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Keok Tong San, reminded the public that improvised explosive devices are a potential fire hazard, and can cause noise pollution and undue alarm to the public.

He added that the blast effect from the explosion can also cause injury to persons and damage to property.

— CNA/cc