As many as eight makeshift stalls reportedly selling illegal sexual enhancement products have been spotted operating within a 50-metre stretch in Geylang, with vendors allegedly approaching lone male pedestrians despite the presence of police cameras in the area.
The stalls were reportedly seen along pedestrian walkways near the junction of Geylang Road and Aljunied Road. Vendors were said to openly display and promote various products, approaching potential customers when they spotted men walking alone through the area.
The reported activity has drawn attention because the area has long been subject to enforcement operations targeting illegal sales of health products, drugs, vice-related activities and other offences. Singapore authorities have previously increased surveillance and enforcement measures in Geylang, including the use of police cameras and coordinated patrols.
The latest reports indicate that the makeshift vendors were operating openly rather than attempting to conceal their activities. Some were reportedly seen sitting or standing beside small tables or temporary setups while displaying products to passers-by.
The products being sold were described as sexual enhancement or “sex drugs”. Their legality and contents can vary, and authorities have repeatedly warned that unregistered health products may contain undeclared or potentially harmful substances.
The Singapore Police Force said in September that a series of multi-agency operations in Geylang had already targeted illegal sales of health products and drug-related activities. Between August 27 and 29, officers from the police, Health Sciences Authority, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Central Narcotics Bureau seized cough syrup, sexual enhancement products, vaporisers and etomidate pods with a combined street value exceeding S$54,000.
That operation resulted in two individuals being arrested under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, while two men and a woman were also arrested for suspected drug-related offences. Authorities said investigations into the various cases were ongoing.
The latest reports also come after repeated enforcement actions specifically involving illegal health products in Geylang. In March, authorities arrested a 34-year-old man along Geylang Lorong 35 after allegedly finding sexual-health-related products, cough syrup and prescription medicines in his vehicle. Laboratory testing later found that six vaporiser pods seized during the operation contained etomidate.
Authorities have also previously said that enforcement agencies conduct coordinated operations in Geylang to tackle illegal peddling. The Ministry of Home Affairs has noted that police cameras and increased lighting have been used in the area as part of efforts to deter and detect illicit activities.
The continued appearance of makeshift stalls highlights the challenge of policing activities that can quickly shift locations or reappear after enforcement operations. While surveillance cameras can assist investigators in identifying individuals and documenting activity, enforcement agencies still need to establish the identities of sellers and determine whether the products being offered breach Singapore’s laws.
Singapore’s authorities have repeatedly taken action against unregistered health products. Depending on the substance and offence involved, those found supplying prohibited or adulterated products can face significant penalties under Singapore law.
In the September enforcement operation, the police said agencies would continue working together to clamp down on illegal activities in Geylang and urged members of the public to report unlawful activity.
The latest reports have not indicated that the eight vendors were arrested or charged. Authorities have also not publicly confirmed the identities of the individuals involved in the reported stalls.
For now, the reported activity is being viewed in the context of ongoing enforcement efforts in Geylang, where authorities continue to target illegal health-product sales and other illicit activities.
