By Aida Aziz
BATU GAJAH: Forty local men and an Indonesian national were arrested for allegedly being involved in a cockfighting gambling syndicate at a hut near a plantation area in Papan Durian Valley, Papan, here last Saturday.
Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the raid was conducted by the D7 division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Perak police contingent, with assistance from the D9 CID of the Perak police headquarters.
The operation also involved the Batu Gajah District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division and the Perak Veterinary Services Department.
He said the raid was conducted at about 7 pm, with investigations revealing that the gambling operation had been running since early this year, with bets reaching as much as RM20,000 per round.
“Among those arrested was a 50-year-old local man who admitted to being the organiser and owner of the premises.
“Two other individuals were also detained for allegedly acting as the referee and the organiser’s assistant.
“Police also seized several items and RM114,211 in cash believed to be linked to the activity,” he said.
Mohd Alwi said the case was being investigated under Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Section 32 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
He added that firm action would continue to be taken without compromise against individuals or groups involved in illegal gambling activities and animal cruelty.
