Police arrest 22 people in gambling raid

SINGAPORE: Police have arrested 22 people at an illegal gambling den operating out of a private apartment unit.

In a five—hour operation which started at about 11am on October 9, police officers from Bedok Police Division raided a private apartment unit located along Geylang Road. Seven men and fifteen women age between the ages of 29 and 72 were arrested.

Gaming paraphernalia such as gambling chips, playing cards and cash amounting to S$20 were seized.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a 54—year—old male suspect had rented the unit and allowed it to be used for gambling.

The 54—year—old male suspect and thirteen other suspects will be charged in court on October 11. Investigations against the remaining suspects are ongoing.

Anyone who permits a place to be used as a common gaming house could be fined between S$5,000 to S$50,000, and punished with imprisonment of up to 3 years.

As for the players, those convicted of gaming in a common gaming house could be fined up to S$5,000, and jailed up to six months.

Police said they will continue to conduct strict enforcement against illegal gambling activities, and remind property owners to take responsibility to ensure that their premises are not used for illegal activities.

—CNA/ac