Jungle den busted: Over 100 arrested in Malaysian gambling raid
Malaysian police dismantled one of the country’s largest illegal gambling dens after raiding a forested site beside Melwood Arena, close to Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor, according to local media reports.
The pre-dawn raid, codenamed Op Dadu Mega, was led by Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and followed six months of covert surveillance. Drone footage captured by the Air Wing Unit showed crowds gathering for cock-fights, dice games, and an unlicensed public lottery, prompting officers to move in.
Using rough plantation tracks and guided by the live drone feed, a combined team from CID’s Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7), the K9 Unit, and the Putrajaya Veterinary Unit surrounded the makeshift arena on Sunday. Handlers kept sniffer dogs at the perimeter while tactical teams swept through the undergrowth to prevent suspects from fleeing.
Multiple Indonesians nabbed
Deputy CID director for intelligence and operations, Datuk Fadil Marsus, told reporters that 124 people were arrested. “Those detained include 46 Malaysians and 78 Indonesians; four are women,” he said. “Six Indonesian nationals are believed to have organised the cock-fights, while several Malaysians were running the underground lottery.”
Officers seized 52 live roosters bred for fighting, seven carcasses, 17 metal spurs, a weighing scale, and betting ledgers. Cash totaling RM145,855 (€20,873) was recovered alongside dice, cards, and printed lottery slips. Investigators believe the ring has generated hundreds of thousands of ringgit since it began operating eight months ago.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to stamp out organised gambling, particularly in rural pockets where offenders assume they can avoid scrutiny,” Datuk Fadil said. He added that the use of drones and specialist animals allowed officers to “neutralise an entire network without injuries to police, suspects or bystanders”.
Animal rights breach draws fine
Cockfighting and illegal gambling are heavily restricted in Malaysia. An investigation has been opened under Section 4A(a) and Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Sections 32(1) and 32(2) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. If convicted of animal cruelty, the accused may face fines of up to RM100,000 (€19,600) or a three-year jail term, while illegal gambling can attract a maximum penalty of RM50,000 (€9,800) and six months’ imprisonment.
Police continue to question the detainees and analyse seized mobile phones in an effort to trace financiers and bookmakers. Meanwhile, the roosters have been placed under the care of the Veterinary Services Department pending a court order.
Authorities have further urged Malaysians to report suspicious gatherings in plantations, warehouses, or abandoned buildings. “Community vigilance is our strongest weapon,” he said. “With the public’s help, we can prevent cruel cock-fights and protect families from the social harm caused by illegal gambling.”
