The San José Police Department (SJPD) has arrested 13 people during a coordinated enforcement operation targeting illegal gambling sites across the city.
The April 28 operation involved four search warrants at commercial and residential locations on Alum Rock Avenue, Monterey Road and Senter Road.
Officers seized 45 operational gaming machines, narcotics and more than $3,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from unlawful activity.
The raids followed several months of investigations into shootings and homicides linked to illegal after-hours clubs, bars and gambling establishments in San José.
In March, two men were killed inside an illegal clandestine gambling location on Santa Clara Street.
Local reports identified the victims as Eddie Delgado of Sunnyvale and Oscar Salgado of San José. Police later arrested Gustavo Rodriguez, 46, in connection with the double homicide, with the motive still under investigation.
The latest operation was led by units within SJPD’s Special Operations Division and Vice Unit, with support from San José Code Enforcement.
California law enforcement agencies have continued to link underground gambling venues with firearms, narcotics and other criminal activity.
In January, San José police arrested two people in a separate illegal gambling and narcotics investigation, seizing gambling equipment, a firearm and stolen motorcycles.
San José Police Department Chief, Paul Joseph, said: “Illegal gambling operations are not victimless crimes. They create environments where violence thrives and put innocent lives at risk.”
San José Mayor, Matt Mahan, said: “Illegal gambling fuels violence, puts residents at risk and has no place in San José.”
The department said property owners and building owners can face administrative fines of up to $500,000 through Code Enforcement if they allow or facilitate illicit businesses on their premises.
SJPD has asked members of the public to report information about illegal gambling operations through the department, the P3TIPS mobile app or Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.
In related past news, authorities in Argentina uncovered another illegal land-based gambling operation in Villa Lugano, seizing phones, computers, playing cards, betting slips and other equipment as part of a Buenos Aires investigation.
San José police said the April 28 warrants were served simultaneously across four locations as part of one coordinated citywide operation
