Illegal KTV Joint Near Jalan Besar Raided; 8 Arrested & 45 People Investigated

By
Zhi Hao
-

It’s one thing to sing to your heart’s content amidst a bed of beer cans and alcohol.

It’s quite another to do the same thing, but have the police knocking on your doors.

Unfortunately for recent patrons of several shophouse units in Kitchener Road and Verdun Road, it’s the latter notion they’re facing.

Much to the chagrin of those who just want to indulge in a good ol’ Jacky Cheung song, I’m sure.

Illegal KTV Joint Near Jalan Besar Raided; 8 Arrested & 45 People Investigated

According to The Straits Times, seven men and one woman have since been apprehended for violating the Liquor Control Act and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

45 other individuals – 34 men and 11 women – will be subjected to investigations for suspected violation of the same act, as well as related COVID-19 rules.

According to the police report, the police launched a raid on three shophouse units situated in Kitchener Road and Verdun Road between Friday (2 April) night and the wee hours of Saturday.

Apparently, unlicensed karaoke lounges were operating within these premises.

Apart from large TVs, karaoke machines and colourful LED lights, the rooms also had a disco ball and strobe lights.

They were said to have “smelled of alcohol and cigarette smoke”.

After police stormed the locations, KTV goers were detained in the rooms, where they gave statements to plain-clothed officers.

Numerous bottles of liquor were discovered and confiscated.

In a police statement, the commander of the Central Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Gregory Tan Siew Hin, expressed that the raid was not a last-minute manoeuvre.

They are reportedly aware of such illegal activities, and the operation was part of police efforts to shut them down.

“The police are aware that unlicensed public entertainment outlets have been operating illegally despite the Covid-19 restrictions… The culprits will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law,” said Mr Tan.

Not The First Time

Just last Friday (26 March 2020), the police stormed a separate shophouse in Joo Chiat Road, which was found to be housing an unlicensed entertainment outlet.

12 were allegedly “consuming alcohol, singing karaoke and socialising”.

For hosting public entertainment or liquor services without the appropriate qualifications, they can face a fine of up to S$20,000.

For violating COVID-19 safe distancing rules, offenders could face an imprisonment term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000 or both.

In Feb 2021, it was unveiled that a startling surplus of 8,600 fines had been issued from April to December 2020.

The fines reportedly totaled more than S$2.5 million. They were given to those who failed to comply with the appropriate safe-distancing and other COVID-19 related measures.

Nearly 140 firms were suspended for violating workplace safe management measures, while more than 280 were fined for non-compliance.

One thing’s for sure; the police is not taking matters lightly.

So if you fancy a late night out with beer and a Jacky Cheung CD, it would be best to do so from your own home.

And make sure that there are no more than eight people too unless you want some surprise guests in the form of the men in blue.

Featured Image: Youtube (The Straits Times)

Watch this for a complete summary of what REALLY happened to Qoo10, and why it's like a K-drama:

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Zhi Hao
Email: [email protected]