189 Arrested in Johor Baru Vice and Prostitution Crackdown

JOHOR BARU, Dec 9 — Police have arrested 189 people, including 177 foreign nationals, in six raids under "Op Noda Khas" targeting prostitution, guest relation officer (GRO) activities, and criminal gangs in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri from Friday to Sunday.

The operation, led by 14 senior officers and 54 junior officers, resulted in the arrest of 11 local men, one woman, 16 foreign men, and 161 foreign women, aged between 18 and 63. Urine tests showed 16 local men and 12 foreign women tested positive for drugs.

Authorities seized a range of items, including mobile phones, cash (RM2,510), and gambling equipment, as well as RM83,100 in a separate raid targeting illegal gambling.

The suspects are being investigated under various laws, including the Immigration Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act. Since January, Johor police have conducted 388 raids, arresting 1,910 individuals, including 1,699 foreign nationals, for similar offenses.

Anyone with information on criminal activities is urged to contact Johor police at 019-279 2095 or 07-221 2999.