24 suspected local prostitutes, five pimps nabbed in city
Posted on February 4, 2012, Saturday
KOTA KINABALU: The police have come out in full force in their effort to curb prostitution activities with the arrest of 24 suspected local prostitutes and five pimps in less than a week in the city.
Deputy city police chief Superintendent M. Chandra said the arrests were made by personnel from the Crime Investigation Department D7 branch (Gambling/Vice/Secret Societies) in Kampung Air here from Jan 25-30.
“Five people who were arrested are pimps while the rest are local prostitutes aged between 21 and 51,” he said.
One of the suspected pimps, a 40-year-old local, was arrested on Jan 30 together with two other prostitutes who are foreigners, aged 40 and 42, at a hotel in Kampung Air just before midnight, Chandra told a press conference at the city police headquarters in Karamunsing yesterday.
Chandra said six of the 24 local prostitutes tested positive for drug abuse.
“Police investigation also revealed that some of these women were involved in thieving activities known as ‘Ting-Ting’, where they would steal money and valuables from their clients,” he said, adding that such activities have contributed to an increase in crime rate in the state capital.
Chandra said although prostitution in the city is not alarming, the police would continue to carry out operations from time to time to eliminate it.
“The vice problem in Kampung Air is under control with the presence of police and other enforcement personnel,” he said.
“Therefore, I urge the public to continue to work hand in hand with the police by providing valuable information, not only regarding prostitution but any criminal activity in their areas,” he said.
