Man, 49, flees during routine check in Katong, gets arrested after controlled drug & forged NRIC found on him

When traffic police officers went to check on a 49-year-old van driver at a car park along Fort Road in Katong on Jun. 28 evening, the driver suddenly fled the scene.

In response, police officers gave chase to the driver and eventually subdued him with the assistance of two members of the public.

The driver was subsequently arrested for traffic-related offences, suspected drug-related offences, fraudulent possession of property, and possession of a forged National Registration Identity Card (NRIC).

Arrest caught on camera

The man's arrest was caught on camera by an onlooker, and the footage was uploaded to Xiaohongshu.

In the video, the van driver, dressed in black, could be seen sitting on the ground with his hands behind his back.

Two traffic police officers were squatting next to him.

A black van, with its side door left open, could be seen parked in front of the driver and the police officers.

Two men, presumably the members of the public who assisted in the man's arrest, were standing behind the van.

At least 4 police & 4 traffic police officers spotted at scene

Later on, two police vehicles and an ambulance arrived at the scene in succession.

Paramedics brought down a gurney before gathering around the driver.

At one point, there were at least four traffic police officers, four police officers, and four paramedics gathered around the driver.

After the video zoomed in on the driver, several items, including a black plastic bag, could be seen on the ground next to him.

A police officer could be seen taking photos of the items with his phone.

At the same time, several onlookers were standing on an overhead bridge at East Coast Park, watching the driver's arrest.

Police investigations ongoing

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Police Force said traffic police officers were patrolling along Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) at around 5pm on Jun. 28 when they signalled a van driver to stop for a routine check at a car park along Fort Road.

When officers proceeded to check on the driver, he suddenly fled the scene.

After the driver was subdued, police recovered substances suspected to be controlled drugs, drug paraphernalia, two bank cards that did not belong to the driver, a forged NRIC and duty-unpaid cigarettes from the driver.

The driver was subsequently arrested, and his suspected drug-related offences have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).

His customs-related offence and his violation of the National Registration Act have been referred to Singapore Customs and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), respectively.

Investigations are ongoing.

Top images via 南洋咸鱼煲/Xiaohongshu