JOHOR BARU: Johor police raided 49 premises suspected of being involved in illegal lottery and detained 49 people during its 'Op Dadu Khas' statewide yesterday.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said the 49 people arrested were aged 18 to 67, who admitted being involved in the illegal activity.
"An operation led by Johor Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Azman Ayob on Sept 30 was conducted in an effort to rid the state of illegal gambling.
"The operation was focused on individuals and any syndicate that conducted gambling without licence.
"This operation will continue until the police is able to put a total stop to such illegal activities," said Khalil in a statement today.
He said a total of 161 lottery tickets and money used for the bets amounting to RM3,224 were seized during the operation.
"The offenders can be charged under Section 4A (a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and they can be fined not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM200,000, and jailed a maximum five years," he said.
Khalil said between January and August this year, the state police carried out 1,528 operations and arrested 1,585 people, and seized more than RM240,000 in operations against illegal lottery premises.
"A total of 1,163 people have been charged in court so far. We will continue to stop the menace of illegal gambling in the state," he said.