KOTA KINABALU: The leader of an illegal organisation, known as 'Ayahanda', was among 14 detained in Op Cantas at a burger stall area in Inanam Point, Jalan Tuaran, here on Wednesday.
The 14, all male and aged 22 to 49 years were arrested by a team from the Anti-Vice, Gambling, and Secret Societies Division (D7) of the Sabah contingent police headquarters with the assistance of officers from the Inanam police station.
Sabah Criminal Investigation chief senior assistant commissioner Azmi Abd Rahim said investigations revealed that the men claimed to be members of the Pertubuhan Amal Nusantara Bersatu Sabah (ANB).
"Checks with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies found that the logo used by the organisation is not registered.
"Furthermore, there are elements of the Double 7 group which was declared an illegal organisation in 2013," he said when contacted today.
Azmi said the operation also arrested a man believed to be the leader of the ANB.
"During the raid, a toy gun resembling a C15 pistol, a meat cleaver with its sheath, and a samurai sword were seized.
"In addition, the seizure included 20 pieces of stickers with the group's logo, membership cards, 12 mobile phones, and four cars of various types with ANB organisation stickers and Double 7 group stickers," he said.
According to him, investigations also found that the organisation now has around 100 members in and around this city, Kota Belud, Ranau, Semporna, and Sandakan.
"The suspects were brought to the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters for further action.
"The case is being investigated under Section 50 of the Societies Act 1966," he said.