Tawau Police, along with other agencies, executed search warrants at two homes linked to illegal cockfighting.
Five suspects were detained during the raids.
Police seized hundreds of live birds, gaffs, and medication.
Cockfighting, often called a sport, is illegal in many countries due to its cruelty. It involves forcing birds to fight to the death.
The two raids took place in Tawau, Sabah.
The operation involved the Bukit Aman Wildlife Crime Bureau, Tawau Police, Veterinary Service Department, and the 14th Battalion of the General Operations Force.
Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim, Director of Bukit Aman Internal Security, said the arrests target cockfighting gambling activities.
Authorities are investigating violations under several laws, including the Immigration Act and the Animal Enactment of 2015.
At one raid in Kampung Membalua, police found 152 live fighting cocks and arrested a 57-year-old local man.
At a second residence in Kampung Apas Parit, four men aged 31 to 52 were arrested.
Police seized 470 fighting cocks there, along with 40 gaffs—sharp blades attached to the birds’ feet.
They also found hundreds of bottles of vitamins, other supplies, and 500 coops and cages.
The total value of the seized property is about RM3.3 million, roughly $780,000.
