SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego police busted an illegal gambling den operating out of a private residence in the Kensington neighborhood, the department said Friday.
This came after authorities received a tip detailing the suspected illegal activity, prompting them to serve a search warrant.
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The police department’s Vice Unit, SWAT team and Mid-City Division collectedly served the search warrant Thursday morning on the 4200 block of El Cajon Boulevard. The residence was reportedly located above a business.
During the operation, authorities recovered 23 illegal gambling machines, narcotics, drug paraphernalia and over $4,700 in cash.
Additionally, police said there were nine people inside the home that were allegedly partaking in illegal gambling. Two misdemeanor citations were issued: one for possession of a controlled substance and the other for visiting a prohibited gambling den.
“Illegal gambling dens often attract other criminal activity to the area, including narcotics, prostitution, gang-related activity, noise and fighting, and people coming and going at all hours,” the police department stated in a press release detailing the matter. “SDPD’s Vice Unit works to investigate and address illegal gambling dens throughout the City of San Diego.”
The person who tipped off the police, who wished to remain anonymous, said the apartment has been a nuisance for years and has been raided at least four times. They believe there needs to be tougher laws so offenders face felonies instead of misdemeanors.
Janet Ballard, a San Diego resident, echoed the sentiment. “I don’t know where you start. Police are overwhelmed; you can’t blame them,” she said.
Anyone who believes they have witnessed illegal activity in San Diego has been encouraged to contact local law enforcement at 619-531-2000.
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