JB cops arrest 25 in entertainment centre raids across the city

JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested 25 people, including a man wanted for a rape case, during a special operation dubbed “Ops Ambang Merdeka” across the state.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said that the operation started from 8am on Tuesday (Aug 30) to 8am on Wednesday (Aug 31) and all of the suspects are aged between 23 and 52 years old.

“We conducted inspections at 31 premises, including 19 entertainment centres, and conducted inspections on 539 men and 140 women.

“From that, we arrested 21 men and four women for various offences relating to drugs and criminal activity,” he said in a statement.

Of the 25 suspects, 13 of them were arrested under Section 6(2) and Section 11(2) of the Johor Places of Entertainment Enactment, and two suspects were arrested under Section 45 of the Societies Act 1966 for being part of an unlawful society.

“Nine people were arrested under Section 12(2), Section 15(1), and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug abuse and possession.

“We also arrested a wanted man in his 30s to help investigations under Section 376 of the Penal Code for statutory rape, which carries up to 30 years jail and caning upon conviction,” he said.

Police have also confiscated various items, including receipts, laptops, microphones, speakers, a TV, and a monitor, including a DVD player.