Hong Kong police have arrested 335 people in a three-day operation targeting underground establishments controlled by suspected triads involved in illegal gambling and prostitution, local media reported on Saturday.

Law enforcement officers conducted early morning raids at a total of 223 entertainment venues, including mahjong parlours, bars, nightclubs, recreational centres, and saunas, according to the Dim Sum Daily.

Authorities seized weapons, 22 mahjong tables, gambling chips estimated to be worth HKD1.8 million, and small quantities of narcotics.

The detainees, aged between 18 and 88, are facing charges related to operating illegal gambling and brothels, possession of firearms, fraud, money laundering, property damage, and drug possession.

The former British colony’s crackdown on organised crime has intensified in the past year, with targeted raids on entertainment establishments aimed at disrupting illicit activities associated with organized crime, such as illegal gambling and prostitution.

On November 9th, the funeral of “Tsz Tung’s” father, a former leader of the historic Hong Kong triad “Wo Shing Wo,” involved in extortion, drug trafficking, and prostitution, took place.

According to local media, the event attracted a large number of individuals associated with these criminal groups and hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their respects to the deceased.

The funeral and the potential for unrest prompted authorities to deploy anti-gang squad officers and the tactical unit of the West Kowloon Police District, as well as implement traffic control measures due to the large crowds.