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| Gambling area is sealed off after the suspects were led to an unmarked van in handcuffs |
A group of Filipinos was reportedly hauled away by police officers from Statue Square in Central at about mid-day today on suspicion of illegal gambling.
The arrest was witnessed by a number of Filipinos, including
those gathered on Chater Road which is closed to traffic on Sunday, to
celebrate Cordillera Day.
According to one eyewitness, about 10 were arrested,
all of them women except for two. They were reportedly put in handcuffs and led
to an unmarked police van parked nearby before being taken away for
questioning.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The bus stop area where they were allegedly found
gambling was sealed with police tape for evidence-gathering.
Police have yet to respond to a query about the
arrest.
Several areas in Central are known blackspots for
illegal gambling by migrant workes, especially on Sundays. These include a
stairway near Chater Garden and the perimeter of City Hall .
The Central operation was carried out amid reports
police have taken to using drones to track illegal activities, including
unlicensed gambling.
A statement from the police released today said drones
were used for the first time to counter street-illegal gambling in Chung On
Estate in Ma On Shan as part of an operation carried out from Apr 5 to 18.
Eight suspects – seven men and one woman – were arrested
and HK$420 in cash was seized, along with gambling equipment.
Police vowed to strengthen patrols to crack down on
illegal gambling on the streets.
All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal
unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors,
restaurants and clubhouses.
Illegal gambling is punishable by up to seven years in
prison and a maximum fine of HK$5 million.
