Illegal gambling machines seized in San Francisco drug bust
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has seized illegal gambling machines, a firearm, suspected narcotics, and other contraband in a drug-related raid.
SFPD officers from the Tenderloin Station and the Drug Market Coordination Center (DMACC) searched a liquor store on San Francisco’s Taylor Street on Tuesday, June 24, seizing a range of items. That included illegal gambling machines, a firearm, suspected narcotics, and other contraband.
The operation came about as the result of a month-long investigation into the business, part of a wider push from the SFPD to combat businesses contributing to drug-related crimes in the area. The store was suspected of operating an illegal gambling facility and of selling tobacco products without the necessary permit.
Connections between gambling and drug-related crimes are nothing new, with regulators around the world noting the potential correlation.
Officers operating as part of the search found multiple illegal gambling machines, as well as over $17,000 and various drug paraphernalia. Investigators in the operation cited a business employee and a patron who was gambling illegally, who were found during the search.
This gave officers probable to arrest 21-year-old Alaa Wadhah Abdo Alghaithi of Daly City, on a number of charges, including possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of brass knuckles and a shuriken, engaging in gaming or bookmaking, illegal gambling, possession of cannabis for sale, and operating or maintaing a drug house, among others.
What’s next from San Francisco Police?While this arrest has been made and Alghaithi has been booked at San Francisco County Jail, the SFPD highlighted in a public statement that the investigation into wider crime in the area is still ongoing, noting that this remains “an open and active investigation”. The department is encouraging anyone with more information to come forward.
“The SFPD’s Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC) dedicates officers 24/7 to disrupt the drug markets in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods,” the SFPD said. “Anyone with information should contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or Text-A-Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.”
Readwrite has reached out to the SFPD for further comment on the investigation.
Featured image: San Francisco Police Department / Facebook
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