Johor cops nab 54 in three-day blitz against illegal gambling

JOHOR BARU: Police here arrested 54 individuals during a three-day operation from Sept 22 to Sept 24 to eradicate online and illegal four-digit gambling activities in Johor.

State police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the suspects were 46 men and eight women, of whom 51 were locals and three foreign.

He said that 45 of the men and two of the women were locals.

“The detainees were aged between 19 and 66 years old and were apprehended at 49 premises inspected during Ops Dadu Khas,’’ Comm Kamarul Zaman said in a statement Monday (Sept 25).

He said police also seized 57 mobile phones, 21 units of portable printers and RM8,647 cash.

Comm Kamarul Zaman said apart from raiding premises believed to be the gambling centres, Tenaga Nasional Bhd would also disconnect electricity supplies.

“The local authorities will also cancel business licences for the premises involved in illegal gambling activities,’’ he added.

Comm Kamarul Zaman said all suspects have been taken to court for an application for remand as provided under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 4(A)(a) and 4(B)(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

“The operations against illegal gambling activities in Johor will not be successful without information and tips-off channelled to us by the public,’’ said Comm Kamarul Zaman.

He called upon those with information on illegal gambling activities in their areas to contact the Johor Police Contingent Operation Centre at 07-221 2999 or 07-225 4677 or visit the nearest police station.