Modesto police detail undercover illegal gambling operation, after community complaints
The Modesto Police Department has taken to social media to share an insight into an undercover gambling and smoke shop enforcement operation, with multiple people arrested for allegedly offering illegal gambling.
It was this week when the Modesto Police Department’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) worked in coordination with Code Enforcement to conduct an operation targeting illegal online gambling and smoke shop violations.
The police say this came after numerous community complaints about alleged illegal gambling activity occurring inside local businesses.
“Through undercover operations, officers identified four locations that were providing access to illegal online gambling. Undercover officers opened gambling accounts at the businesses, placed wagers, and were able to both gamble and collect winnings directly from store employees. Based on these investigations, search warrants were served at each location,” the post reads.
Modesto Police Department encourages people with information about any illegal gambling activity to get in touch
As part of the operation, a coordinated smoke shop inspection also took place in the Californian city. According to the police, “two of the four businesses were found to be in possession of prohibited flavored tobacco products and issued fines in the amount of $20,000.”
They also suggested two of the locations displayed expired food products in what they describe as an attempt to conceal gambling operations while posing as convenience stores.
The results of the enforcement include four people being arrested for allegedly offering illegal gambling, with one employee additionally arrested for alleged possession of methamphetamine.
Around $27,000 in cash was seized by the officers, and prohibited flavored tobacco products were also seized at two locations, with citations issued.
“The Modesto Police Department remains committed to addressing illegal gambling, enforcing tobacco regulations, and responding to quality-of-life concerns raised by community members. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to hold businesses accountable and ensure compliance with state and local laws,” the department writes in the Facebook post.
The police continue to say anyone with information regarding illegal gambling activity, illegal tobacco sales, or other ongoing concerns is encouraged to contact the Modesto Police Department.
Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram
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