Summary
- A total of seven people were arrested in the raid.
- Two homes in residential areas were part of the sting operation.
- The homes were considered a den of illegal activity including drugs and stolen property.
While cases of underground casino operations still take place, it seems that instances have become less prevalent now that legalized gambling is more widespread across the United States.
While casinos are offered in several regions of the nation, there are still criminals who want to try and cash in on illegal gambling. Just this week, police in San Jose raided two residential homes that were operating as illegal casinos and conducting other illegal activities.
Details of the Home Raids
San Jose police planned a sting operation involving two homes in residential areas of the city. One home was located on Marchant Court while the other was situated on North Capitol Avenue. Both properties were found to be offering illegal casino gaming.
Police also found that the individuals involved in the casinos were also dealing drugs, had assaulted people and were buying, then selling, stolen property. Police Sgt. Christian Camarillo said that the homes had turned into a den of criminal activity.
As part of the raid, police arrested seven individuals, ranging in age from 35 to 54. Those arrested included: Nhu Huynh, Anita Nguyen, Truong Trang, Dat Nguyen, Thang Nguyen, Phuoc Nguyen and Quynh Pham (pictured, starting top left to right)
Police were already looking for Nhu Huynh because he was reportedly involved in a stabbing incident. Police believed that in early September, Huynh had stabbed an individual who was visiting one of the casino locations.
Additional Details of the Raids
Police were able to obtain warrants once they suspected illegal activity on the premises. During the search, officials found drugs including cocaine and a conversion laboratory for crack-cocaine. Cash was also on hand along with several slot machines.
Once of the suspects arrested was carrying cocaine and a loaded weapon, while five in total were facing outstanding felony warrants. The individuals are now off the streets and face consequences for their actions.
Police in San Jose have been working hard for years to shut down illegal gambling facilities. Oftentimes, the organizers of such locations use cafes or laundromats to hide their gambling services. Other times, like in this most recent incident, residential homes are used for gambling.
The home setting is much more dangerous due to neighbors being close by. Anyone living or visiting the area can be at risk because of the criminal element associated with the gambling services. Whether it be those who are visiting such establishments or those who are operating them, there is immediate risk of criminal activity such as assault type behavior, gunfire, stabbings, or other gunfire which are fairly rare at land casinos.
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