17 detained in gambling bust
Seventeen foreigners and permanent residents were detained for suspected involvement in illegal gambling at a house in Tungku, Kampong Mata-Mata Gadong on January 6, said the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).
The individuals, aged 17 to 56, were arrested in an 11pm raid by a team from the RBPF’s Anti-Vice and Gambling Suppression Unit, together with the House Break-in and Car Theft Investigation Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
During the raid, the suspects – 13 men and four women – made an unsuccessful attempt to escape arrest.
The police said that the gambling game of Xoc Dia, with bets, was believed to have taken place in the living room of the house.
The suspects and the items used in the gambling activity were brought to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, under Chapter 28 of the Common Gaming Houses Act.
In its statement, the RBPF reiterated the need to eradicate illegal gambling operations, due to the negative social effects.
