MIRI: A raid on an illegal cockfight operation led to the arrest of five people in Niah yesterday.
In the 3.35pm operation codenamed ‘Ops Dadu Khas-Limau’ led by ASP Julius Panai, the all-male suspects were nabbed in the open field of an estate in Niah, while six live cockerels were seized.
Sources said more than 10 people were sent scampering when a police team descended on the site.
Upon spotting the men-in-blue approaching the site, an appointed sentry raised the alarm, shouting ‘run, run… police coming’ to alert the others.
Some of the suspects risked their lives by jumping into a nearby pond to avoid arrest.
The suspects were in their 20s, apart from a 46-year-old.
During the raid, police also confiscated a white board, RM525 cash and a weighing machine from the cockfight site.
All exhibits were brought to Miri central police station (CPS) to facilitate investigations on the case.
Miri police chief ACP Gan Tian Kee, when contacted, confirmed the arrest.
The case is being investigated under Section 3(1) Prevention of Cruelty to animal (cockfighting) rule 1962.