GEORGE TOWN: A total of 124 individuals were detained when police raided a birthday party held at a KTV at Pulau Tikus here on Wednesday (Nov 10).

       State Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Rahimi Ra'ais said the suspects were detained for suspected involvement in secret societies and drug-related activities.

       On the raid conducted on premises on the seventh floor of a Jalan Burma business complex by the state anti-vice, gambling and secret society division, he said that police had to break through the front door to enter the premises because the door was locked from the inside.

       The suspects are aged between 15 and 70 were partying and celebrating a birthday," added SAC Rahimi in a statement on Thursday (Nov 11).

       He said further inspection found that 26 of the suspects had tattoos which indicated that they were members of a gang, and that 21 of the suspects tested positive for an assortment of drugs.

       He said the suspects have been taken to George Town district headquarters for further action and the case is being investigated under Section 269 of the Penal Code, Section 43 of the Societies Act 1966 and Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

       "The police would like to thank the public for channelling us the information and we welcome the cooperation. Stern action will be taken against any individuals that have broken the law," he said.