Police officer sacked over illegal gambling

A police officer from south China's Hainan province has been sacked after he was found to be involved in illegal gambling while on duty, local authorities said on Wednesday.

The officer surnamed Feng was apprehended when police raided an illegal gambling den at Xinglong market in Wanning city.

Feng was on duty and carrying his gun when he was caught, said Wen Hai, Public Security Bureau chief of Wanning city, without revealing more details.

Police also seized 20 suspects, 12 illegal gambling devices and 34,000 yuan (about 5,500 US dollars).

The operators of the gambling den have been detained.