Illegal gambling den in Bukit Timah bungalow raided; 62 arrested in March 5-8 operations
In a quiet neighbourhood in Bukit Timah, residents of a row of Good Class Bungalows (GCB) enjoyed a peaceful morning, unaware that one of their neighbours was playing host to illegal gambling activities.
A typical GCB has at least 5 bedrooms and often includes a swimming pool, parking area for multiple cars and can be priced upwards of $30 million.
The GCB in Bukit Timah was on a list of locations targeted in a series of multi-agency enforcement operations from March 5 to 8.
Officers from Tanglin Police Division raided illegal gambling dens in Novena, Toa Payoh and Bukit Timah, and arrested 23 men and five women, aged between 20 and 53.
In the raid on the Bukit Timah GCB, two Mercedes cars were seen parked outside the front door, while a Toyota Alphard was parked near the gate.
On the second level of the house, a room was buzzing with activity as gamblers sat around a poker table, a flat-screen TV in the room displaying CCTV footage from cameras installed around and outside the house.
A group of people were playing jiu tong, a popular game in China that uses mahjong tiles.
Casino chips, mobile phones and other gambling-related paraphernalia were seized along with the poker table.
The police shared that the games were usually advertised on social media and messaging apps.
Over in Toa Payoh, a mahjong game was going on in one of the three bedrooms in what looked like a newly renovated HDB flat.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheong Chee Ming, commander of Tanglin Police Division, said: "The joint operation led by Tanglin Police Division demonstrates the police's sustained efforts against illegal and criminal activities, and our commitment to keep the streets safe and secure for everyone.
"We will continue work closely with other law enforcement agencies to take tough actions against those involved in illicit activities. Offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law."
The day before, officers from Tanglin Police Division, HDB and ICA raided various massage establishments and commercial units in Toa Payoh, Balestier and Orchard. They arrested 20 women aged between 18 and 48.
In total, 29 men and 33 women, aged between 18 and 73, were arrested and are being investigated for various offences as a result of the multi-agency enforcement operations from March 5 to 8.