Taipei: Taipei police dismantled an illegal gambling operation early Monday during the capital's Lunar New Year safety crackdown, the Daan Precinct said Tuesday.

According to Focus Taiwan, in a press release, the precinct stated that 33 individuals, including operators, staff, and patrons, were taken into custody for their involvement in illegal baccarat gambling. Acting on a search warrant issued by the Taipei District Court, a special task force comprising officers from the Taipei Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division conducted a raid on the operation at around 3 a.m. Monday.

The gambling venue was situated on Section 1 of Anhe Road in Daan District, where police seized NT$910,000 (US$29,000) in cash as evidence. A 28-year-old man, surnamed Chen, was identified as the manager of the operation and was taken into custody. Additionally, radio communication devices, surveillance equipment, and gambling chips valued at NT$577.56 million were seized.

Following questioning, Chen and other staff members were referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for further investigation on suspicion of violating gambling provisions of the Criminal Code. The arrested gamblers will be addressed under the Social Order Maintenance Act.

The raid occurred on the first day of Taipei's 15-day Lunar New Year safety crackdown, which aims to maintain public order and ensure residents' safety during the holiday period.