SINGAPORE - A new law to give the police wide-ranging powers against criminal syndicates was tabled in Parliament on Monday.

Mr S Iswaran, Second Minister for Home Affairs, said in Parliament that the Organised Crime Bill would help detect, investigate, prevent and disrupt organised crime activities and deprive criminals involved in such activities from the benefits of their crimes.

The Bill, which is extra-territorial in nature, criminalises persons overseas involved in organised crime activities in Singapore, said the Ministry of Home Affairs in a media statement.

It would give law-enforcement agencies more investigative powers and beefs up punishment for serious crimes, such as drug trafficking and corruption, if they are commited as part of an organised crime group.

The Bill would also give the Courts powers to issue preventive orders that would place prohibitions on the activities of individuals or companies involved in organised crime.

MHA added that the Organised Crime Bill, which was last mentioned in Parliament in 2012, was developed after studying the laws and practices of other jurisdictions such as the Britain, Hong Kong and Canada.

"MHA also held consultations with the Judiciary and legal fraternity on the key features of the Bill," the ministry said.