When I was first assigned to this task, it seemed to me like we are looking for a lost needle in a haystack. This is because we practically had no inkling or any information on the locations and whereabouts of all these "clandestine & filthy factories". Another thought in the minds of the Enforcement Team was whether our operation will invoke any violent reaction from the operators of these "underground" factories which were usually operated by syndicates and probably by some poor families in need of some financial income.
Notwithstanding the difficulties we were facing, we did plan out the whole operation strategically and combed every corner of Singapore which we identified as possible areas for such illegal activities. Fortunately, I also had some credible tip-offs from my other sources too. Most of our operations were carried out in the wee hours of the nights or mornings. In some cases, we had to trek into forested areas to sieve all these illegal factories out.
Our operations would include seizure of all equipment, food and any articles used in connection to these illegal food manufacturing. Although there were few cases of being threatened, the majority of these operators fled upon seeing our "invasion" into their operations.
I must say, the success of operation was attributed to the commitment of the Task Force and our punitive enforcement action that include the clear message we sent out to members of the public. To carry out such operations, we had to be tough, resilient and to remain calm and compose when faced with violent reaction.
