"OPERATION DAGGER"

Mr Lim Cher Kheng asked the Chief Secretary whether he will give a detailed statement on "Operation Dagger".

Mr W. A. C. Goode: During the first six months of 1956 there was an alarming increase in crimes of violence perpetrated by secret society gangsters. This increase was reflected in the number of armed robberies which rose from 56 during the first half year of 1955 to 111 during the first half of 1956. Gang fights and organised assaults had become frequent occurrences and during May and June 1956 there were 15 incidents in which secret societies were involved and no fewer than 70 gang fights which were broken up or prevented by Police action.

On 16th July, 1956, the Commissioner of Police launched a vigorous campaign known as "Operation Dagger" designed to disorganise the societies and to disperse the members. The object of this campaign was to make it difficult for secret society members to move around the city in groups and terrorise their victims by weight of numbers. Over a long period the Police have built up a comprehensive record of secret societies which are known to number over 300, and have prepared dossiers of a hard core of over 4,000 active supporters of these societies. Information had also been collected and collated which showed the places where gangs congregated and the areas in which each society exercised its influence and control. Police Units have been taken off other duties and a concerted drive has been made in these areas where secret societies have been most active.

From 16th July to 28th August, 1956, the Police have questioned and screened 922 suspects, of whom 736 were found to be already on record as members of secret societies. During this same period 76 persons have been charged in Court with being members of unlawful societies, 44 have been convicted, 32 cases are pending, and there have been no acquittals. In addition, many known members of secret societies have been charged with other offences such as armed robbery, extortion, criminal intimidation, possession of dangerous weapons, assault and rioting.

The effect of these operations on serious crime and gang activity is shown by the facts that during the six weeks prior to "Operation Dagger" there were 31 cases of armed robbery and 13 cases of secret society gang fights and incidents, and during the six weeks after "Operation Dagger" there were 14 cases of armed robbery and not a single secret society gang fight.

The success of "Operation Dagger" has been mainly due to the disorganisation of the gangs, and the dispersal of members, many of whom have gone into hiding, and the consequent greater ease in obtaining information from members of the public.