Police arrest 122 after raiding illegal bars and gambling dens in Yuen Long

A total of 122 people, including core members of triad societies, were arrested for operating unlicensed bars and gambling dens as well as drug trafficking after the Police Force's crackdown on illicit activities in Yuen Long.

Three illegal gambling establishments, three unlicensed bars and a drug den were smashed in a two-week-long operation that ended on April 10.

The 122 arrestees, aged between 14 and 67, were arrested for various offenses including operating illegal gambling establishments, gambling in illegal gambling establishments, running an unlicensed bar, selling liquor without a license, drug manufacturing and money laundering.

A batch of gambling tools and alcoholic drinks, worth over HK$500,000, were seized during the operation.

A police spokesman said the operators of these illegal establishments are extremely cautious, typically operating in industrial buildings and "three-nil" buildings within the district to avoid police detection.

The premises are heavily monitored with multiple CCTV cameras, and entry is restricted to regular customers or those referred by trusted sources, said the spokesman.

Some illegal entertainment venues, gambling dens, and unlicensed bars are even equipped with soundproofing materials, making it difficult for nearby residents to notice suspicious activity.

(Marco Lam)