350 suspected illegals netted

350 suspected illegals netted

SINGAPORE (AP): In the latest operation against illegal immigrants from crisis-stricken Southeast Asian countries, Singapore police arrested some 350 suspected immigrants in an overnight raid.

In an islandwide operation Thursday night, police raided coffee shops, construction sites and lodging houses. Those arrested came from China, Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Many of them were working illegally at construction sites.

Although initial reports put the arrest figure at nearly 200, police said yesterday the number arrested was as high as 350, Singapore government-controlled TV reported.

Police warned employers of the illegal workers that they could be jailed for two years and fined up to S$6,000 (US$3,750). Those caught employing more than five illegal workers would also be caned.