Police statistics published in the report showed 2670 foreign women were nabbed from January to June, a 119 percent surge from the 1221 arrested a year earlier.

Although the lower number last year was partly due to fewer foreigners arriving in Singapore during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome crisis, this year's tally was still higher than the 1738 sex workers arrested in the first half of 2002.

The Straits Times quoted police as saying the sharp rise was due to the "significant increase in the number of social visitors" this year, as well as stronger enforcement action by authorities.

"Police have in recent months received more complaints about vice activities, and have stepped up enforcement actions," the paper also quoted Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng as saying.

"As a result, more arrests have been made."

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