16 people arrested in Yuen Long for smashing illegal mahjong stalls and violating gathering restrictions

The special duty team of the Yuen Long Police District launched a gambling operation. In the early morning of today (December 3), a suspected illegal gambling stall was smashed in a residential unit on On Ning Road, Yuen Long, and 6 electric mahjong tables, 12 sets of mahjong, and 30 stools were seized. And about 8,000 yuan in gambling money.

During the operation, a man surnamed Liang (51 years old) was arrested on suspicion of "operating a gambling establishment"; 8 men and 7 women (aged 37 to 69) were arrested on suspicion of "gambling in a gambling establishment". All of them are being detained for investigation.

The owners were also fined or prosecuted for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Gathering) Regulations (Cap. 599G) at the same time.

The police reiterated that according to the "Gambling Ordinance" Chapter 148 of the Laws of Hong Kong, the management of gambling establishments and gambling in gambling establishments are serious crimes. The former is liable to a maximum fine of 5 million yuan and imprisonment for 7 years. Yuan and 9 months in prison.

In addition, the current Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Gatherings) Regulation (Cap. 599G) stipulates that group gatherings of more than 12 people are prohibited in public places.

Police appeal to everyone to be considerate of themselves and others, and strictly abide by relevant laws and regulations to help control the epidemic and reduce the risk of virus transmission in the community.