ISLAMABAD, June 27: Before the Lal Masjid clerics could carry out their threats of taking action against CD shops, mini- cinemas and internet cafes, the local police have launched a crackdown on places that are a source of immorality, arresting 17 people and seizing huge quantity of liquor and pornographic material.

The police carried out raids on Tuesday night in Rawat, Soan Camp, Humak, Muraqba Hall, Bari Imam and Sohan.

Earlier the Lal Masjid brigade had raided a massage parlour- cum-health clinic in F-8/3 and kidnapped nine Chinese nationals, six of whom were women. Later they were released after the intervention of government authorities.

Maulana Abdul Rasheed Ghazi had warned the local administration that seminary students would take similar action against people involved in immoral activities.

In light of these threats, the local police launched a crackdown. Sihala police raided four video centres, arrested their owners and seized huge quantity of pornographic material.

Likewise, the police also raided three mini-cinemas set up at Soan Camp, Maraqba Hall and Rawat where pornographic movies were being shown. Three persons were arrested in these raids.

Similarly, Shahzad Town police raided internet cafes in Sohan and New Shakrial where immoral movies were being shown. Seven persons were arrested on the occasion.

Golra police raided a liquor den at Golra Railway Station and arrested three persons and seized 23 litres of liquor, a 12- bore carbine and five rounds.

Meanwhile, the police arrested a woman from Motorway Chowk and seized 3kg of opium from her.