Dozens of gamblers detained in raids in NTB

MATARAM, W. Nusa Tenggara: Provincial police have detained at least 53 gamblers, two of whom were housewives selling illegal white gambling coupons, locally known as togel, in raids conducted over the past month.

Speaking to journalists here on Monday, Director of the NBT Police Detective and Crime Unit Sr. Comr. William Lameng said that the raids had uncovered a total of 27 gambling cases in Mataram, West Lombok, East Lombok, Sumbawa, West Sumbawa and Bima.

Of the cases, 14 were togel gambling, three were card gambling and the rest 10 were gambling locally known as bola adil (fair ball).

"The regional police are currently handling nine of the cases, which involve a total of 13 suspects including the two housewives caught red-handed in Mataram," William said.

He added the suspects would be charged with Article 303 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five-years imprisonment. - JP