Thursday, January 31, 2008 Police score anew vs gambling
THE Cagayan de Police Office (Cocpo) has scored again with the arrest of seven persons suspected of involvement in illegal gambling operations, as well as confiscating motorcycles purportedly used in transporting collected bets.
Recovered gambling paraphernalia from the suspects include 21 tally-sheets, three motorcycles and bet money amounting to P1,151.50.
Police also confiscated ten units of coin-operated video karera and mini-slot machines, which were burned down at the Cocpo headquarters Wednesday.
Pornographic DVDs confiscated at the Cogon market also went to fire, but police said the erring vendors eluded the raid.
All these resulted from a five-day operation conducted by at least six police stations, said Acting City Police Director Isagani F. Genabe.
Last week, police also seized 23 video karera machines and presented to the media several suspects nabbed for crimes ranging to theft and robbery.
Mayor Constantino Jaraula has given Genabe two months to neutralize illegal activities, including the prevalent illegal gambling operations.
He said Cocpo's intensified drive against all forms of illegal activities "sends a strong message for the deterrence of crimes in the city."
"This (anti-crime drive) is a message to criminals and lawless elements that we will never tolerate all forms of criminalities and illegal activities because this leadership will always run after you," he added.
Jaraula said the money from the confiscated slot machines was turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for its feeding program.
