12 caught at gambling dens

TANGERANG (JP): Local police arrested 12 people, including six suspected gambling operators, in separate raids at gambling dens here late Monday.

Tangerang Police chief of detectives of the vice control unit, First Lt. Kustanto, said on Tuesday that the most wanted reputed gambling operator in the area, identified as Nainggolan, escaped arrest. He is suspected of having the largest gambling operation in the area.

Officers seized Rp 3 million (US$428) in cash, 2,000 coupons, several accounting ledgers and two calculators during the sweep.

The raids were carried out over three hours in Pondok Aren and Ciledug.

In Pondok Aren, police apprehended gambling operator Umar, 34, while gambling operators Sobur, 28, Marjuki, 30, Carito, 21, Candra, 35, and Alex, 30, were arrested in Ciledug, officer Kustanto said.

The other six men were gamblers. They were released after police questioned them as witnesses.

Kustanto also said that Lumijan, 70, a resident of Cindeng village in Legok, was shot by burglars who broke into his house early Tuesday.

The robbers stole Rp 1 million cash and the victim's Kijang van.

Lumijan is undergoing treatment at Tangerang General Hospital. Police are investigating the case. (41/emf)