Four individuals were detained under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) for alleged involvement in secret societies and violence in Port Dickson since April.

All the suspects, aged between their 20s to early 30s, were arrested in stages this month, after a surveillance was carried out.

Port Dickson police chief Supt Adzli Abu Shah said one of them was believed to be a member of a secret society involved in 10 serial robberies, and had been detained under Section 4(1) of Poca.

“While three others were from secret societies who were involved in blackmailing, violence, and others,” he told a press conference in Port Dickson today.

Meanwhile, on Ops Cantas 2 which was carried out since Aug 5 until yesterday, Adzli said a total of 1,960 individuals and 1,065 vehicles were inspected.

From the number, he said 21 individuals were arrested for various offences, while 32 were detained on suspicion of being involved with secret societies based on the tattoos on their bodies.

He said 18 of them had confessed to being involved, while only one could be charged in court for now under Section 52(3) of the Societies Act 1966.

Adzli added that the police had also seized a samurai sword during the operation.

- Bernama