KOTA KINABALU: Police have detained 14 people, including the ringleader nicknamed Ayahanda (Godfather), during an anti-gangsterism operation.
The suspects were believed to be members of a secret society with links to the notorious Double Seven Gang at Inanam Point near here.
Sabah CID chief Senior Asst Comm Azmi Abd Rahim said the suspects, aged between 22 and 49, were rounded up near a burger stall off Jalan Tuaran at 10.10pm on Wednesday under Ops Cantas.
He said during questioning, the group told the raiding team from the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies (D7) division and Inanam police station that they were members of a charitable organisation.
“Checks with the Registrar of Societies showed that the logo they were using was not registered.
“We also found elements of the Double Seven Gang which was listed as an illegal society in 2013,” he said when contacted.
SAC Azmi said the suspected gang leader was also known by the title “Ayah Abu Nilam Bersatu”.
“We seized a toy gun, a meat cleaver and a samurai sword during the operation.
“Other items include 20 pieces of stickers of the group’s logo, membership cards, mobile phones, four vehicles and multiple stickers belonging to the illegal society,” he said.
Based on initial investigations, SAC Azmi said the group has over 100 members in the city and districts such as Kota Belud, Ranau, Semporna and Sandakan.
He said all the suspects would be investigated under the Societies Act 1966.
