29 men nabbed for gambling

TANGERANG: Tangerang police arrested 29 men after they were caught in the act while gambling during raids in 11 districts across Tangerang regency and mayoralty late on Monday.

Police also seized from the suspects cash worth Rp 3 million (US$353), gambling lottery coupons and other documents and gambling paraphernalia.

"The suspects were caught in action in 21 gambling cases during the operation which we carried out as a response from public and religions leaders' calls last Friday," said Tangerang police chief Sr. Comr. I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana on Tuesday.

Yoga said that the police would continue investigating the cases in order to arrest the main actors behind the gambling operations.

"It's impossible for them to even operate a small-scale gambling den without support from bigger bosses. In addition, we have the support of the community to do this," he said.

The suspects will face charges of violating article 303 of the Criminal Code on gambling. The article carries a maximum punishment of five years in jail. -- JP