In a significant operation aimed at curbing illegal activities, Johor Baru police have arrested a total of 189 individuals, including 177 foreign nationals, during a series of raids conducted under the ‘Op Noda Khas’ initiative. The operations took place from December 6 to December 8, 2024, across various locations in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri.
Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar reported that the operation involved a substantial force, comprising 14 senior officers and 54 junior officers, targeting prostitution, guest relation officer (GRO) activities, and criminal gang operations within entertainment venues. The crackdown resulted in the apprehension of 11 local men, one woman, 16 foreign men, and a staggering 161 foreign women, all aged between 18 and 63, for various offenses.
Preliminary urine tests conducted during the operation revealed that 16 local men and 12 foreign women tested positive for drug use. Authorities seized a range of equipment, including mobile phones, payment receipts, microphones, speakers, mixers, televisions, MP3 players, DVDs, amplifiers, remote controls, and a total of RM2,510 in cash, which will be examined further as part of the investigation.
In a separate raid targeting gambling activities at an entertainment centre, police arrested six local men, one local woman, one foreign man, and six foreign women. This operation led to the seizure of RM83,100 in cash along with various gambling equipment.
All local suspects have been remanded under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, while foreign nationals arrested for lacking valid travel documents and for working without permits are being held under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The ongoing investigation encompasses multiple legal frameworks, including the Johor Entertainment and Entertainment Places Enactment, the Immigration Act, the Common Gaming Houses Act, and the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Since the beginning of the year, the Johor Criminal Investigation Department has conducted 388 raids at entertainment centres throughout the state, resulting in the arrest of 1,910 individuals, including 1,699 foreign nationals, for various offenses. Datuk Kumar urged the public to report any information regarding criminal activities to the Johor police hotline at 019-279 2095 or the operations room at 07-221 2999.
This extensive operation underscores the commitment of local authorities to combat illegal activities and maintain public safety in the region. As the investigation continues, further actions may be taken to address the underlying issues contributing to these illicit operations.