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Two male students aged 17 will be charged in
court today for building and setting off improvised explosive devices
built using sparklers. |
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They are the first persons to be charged for
such an offence. |
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At about 12.55pm on 27 Aug 2006, an
explosion accompanied by white smoke was reported at the open field
along Woodgrove Ave off Woodlands Ave 1. Two metal pipes and some
residue, which subsequent forensic examination revealed to be
ingredients used in sparklers, were found at scene. |
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Police investigations led to the arrest of
both teenagers the next day. Materials such as sparkler sticks that were
used to build the explosive devices were seized from both of their
homes. |
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In a separate case on 17 Dec 2006, two
youths aged 15 and 16 were believed to have set off a bundle of 72
sparklers that were taped together at Blk 339 Woodlands Ave 1. They are
currently assisting police with investigations. |
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In 2006, a total of 32 cases of
explosive-related incidents involving sparklers sticks or powder were
reported. |
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In the current security climate, the
Police take a serious view of persons setting off improvised
explosive devices constructed using sparklers. Such actions may
cause unnecessary alarm as well as tie up responding resources,
which are required to deal with real incidents. |
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Improper use of sparklers may also
result in injuries to persons and damage to property. The
importation and sale of sparklers are legal in Singapore; however,
the use of sparklers should be done in a responsible manner
according to the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. |
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Police would like to remind the public
that it is an offence for anyone to use sparklers to construct an
explosive device. |
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Anyone caught doing this may be
prosecuted in Court for either an offence of negligent conduct
with respect to any fire or combustible matter under section 285
of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 or negligent conduct with respect
to any explosive substance under section 286 of the Penal Code,
Chapter 224. |
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If convicted for either offence, the
offender will be liable to an imprisonment term which may extend
to six months, or fined up to S$1000, or with both. |
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 January 2007 @8.30am |
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Source:
www.spf.gov.sg Media Release 8
Jan 2007 |
Two students to be charged in court
for misuse of sparklers
