Man accused of driving under the influence allegedly offered $150 in bribes to deputies who pulled him over

SINGAPORE – A truck driver accused of driving after drinking alcohol allegedly offered two auxiliary police officers $150 in bribes in an attempt to escape.

In a statement, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said both officers, Sergeant Mohamed Halim Jumari and Sergeant Muhammad Mustaqim Ramli, had rejected the offer.

Sellakkannu Karuppusamy was charged before a district court on November 26.

The 32-year-old Indian national is now charged with one count each of careless driving of a truck, drink-driving and drink-driving.

According to court documents, Sellakkannu allegedly drove in a zigzag manner on June 13, almost sideswiping a van and a truck, along the AYE towards Tuas.

The CPIB said in its statement that the two auxiliary police officers later stopped him for checking at the intersection of West Coast and Penjuru roads.

Sellakkannu allegedly offered the couple a $150 bribe to let him go.

Authorities also discovered that he reportedly had at least 57 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The prescribed limit is 35 mcg of alcohol in the same amount of breath.

Sellakkannu’s case will be heard in court again on December 26.

For graft, an offender can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

A first-time offender convicted of driving under the influence could face a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $10,000.

A repeat offender could face a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of up to $20,000.