Houston Police Raid Suspected Illegal Gambling Club
HOUSTON – Houston police executed a search warrant at a suspected illegal gambling operation in west Houston on Wednesday after an undercover investigation that lasted several months.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Authorities said officers were called to a business near the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Westerland Drive following repeated complaints from local residents about alleged illegal gambling and other activity at the location.
The investigation involved the Houston Police Department’s Midwest Differential Response Team, which handles quality-of-life issues, including illegal gambling operations and businesses operating without permits.
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Undercover Officers Investigated Business
Police said the department’s Vice Division sent undercover investigators into the business multiple times before determining that illegal gambling activity was taking place inside. Authorities then obtained a search warrant from a judge before moving in on the location.
Due to security concerns linked to the business, including reports that doors were routinely locked and armed security was present, the department’s SWAT team was used to serve the warrant.
Officials said approximately 80 to 90 people were inside the club when officers entered the building.
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Police Say Gaming Tables Found Inside
Houston police said four to five people were taken into custody during the operation, although authorities have not yet confirmed what charges they may face. Investigators said the business did not contain gambling machines, but officers found gaming tables and card tables inside the location.
Vice officers continued searching the premises following the raid to determine whether gambling-related cash or other paraphernalia could be linked to the alleged operation. No injuries were reported during the execution of the search warrant.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence collected from the business.
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