SINGAPORE - Two brothers have been arrested on suspicion of having broken into a clinic and stealing "several gallons" of cough mixture and cash.

The duo, aged 21 and 35, are believed to have broken into a clinic along Ghim Moh Road on June 16, according to a statement released by the police on Thursday. The authorities were alerted to the case on that day at 8.54 am. Two days later, the 21-year-old was arrested at Jelapang Road, and several bottles of the clinic's cough syrup as well as $5,000 in cash were found in his possession. His elder brother was later arrested at Clementi.

Preliminary investigations point to illegal entry through the clinic's rear window. Both brothers are suspected of having selling the stolen cough mixture to various unknown parties. The remaining cough mixture and a total of $7,000 were seized.

Both men are expected to be charged in court on Friday for housebreaking and theft by night. If convicted, they could face up to 14 years' imprisonment. The police advised owners of commercial and business premises to install strong locks and grills, in addition to good security systems and alarms to prevent break-ins.