Man, 61, flees from police in Boon Lay, gets arrested after 'white powder' found on him, e-bike rider on the loose for 10 hours

An e-bike rider, suspected of consorting with a 61-year-old man in a drug-related transaction, fled together with the man when approached by police in Boon Lay on Mar. 15.

The man on foot was subsequently detained outside Boon Lay Community Club and a bag of white powder, believed to be drugs, was found on him.

Despite a 10-hour long manhunt at the nearby blocks, the rider is still at large.

Pedestrian arrested

Police told Mothership that on Mar. 15 at about 11:30am, a traffic police officer spotted a male rider on a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) making an illegal turn at the junction of Boon Lay Place and Boon Lay Avenue.

As the officer was approaching the PAB rider, he allegedly fled together with the 61-year-old male pedestrian.

The male pedestrian was detained by the officer and substances believed to be controlled drugs were found on him.

Police said he was arrested for suspected drug-related offences.

A cleaner working at Boon Lay Community Club told Shin Min Daily News that she was sweeping the floor when she saw the man being handcuffed at the side of the road.

She said she had seen the man at the community club a few times before, and recognised him.

An eyewitness surnamed Tang (transliteration) told Shin Min that police officers subdued the man with the help of a passing postman.

They searched the man's body and seized a bag of white powder about the size of a mobile phone.

Tang claimed he heard the man and the police saying that the man would typically "pick up goods" at the plants corner outside the community club, or at another meeting spot.

10-hour manhunt for rider

Shin Min reported that police launched a manhunt for the PAB rider that lasted more than 10 hours.

At least 10 police officers reportedly appeared at the nearby Block 177 Boon Lay Drive, with personnel stationed at other blocks as well.

Three police vehicles were seen at the scene.

Another 62-year-old resident of Block 177 told Shin Min that plainclothes policemen went door-to-door with photos of the suspect and asked residents if they had seen him.

The 62-year-old described the picture as that of a Chinese man who seemed to be around 40 years old.

Over the past seven years of living in this estate, he said he has never seen this man before.

Shin Min observed that police were also seen reviewing CCTV footage at the block.

The operation lasted until around 10:30pm.

Rider still at large

Police told Mothership that as of Mar. 17, the PAB rider is still at large.

Efforts are underway to trace the rider.

Police said the suspected drug-related offences have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).

Investigations for traffic-related offences are ongoing.

Top image from Shin Min Daily News