🚔 12 Arrested in San Diego Illegal Gambling Raids at Market and Private Home
San Diego Police have cracked down on two suspected illegal gambling operations in the city, arresting 12 individuals, seizing nearly two dozen gambling machines, and confiscating cash, firearms, and drugs.
The busts, which occurred less than 48 hours apart, targeted a neighborhood market in Teralta East and a private residence on Fairmount Avenue.
🎰 Not Vegas: “Illegal Gambling Hidden in Plain Sight”
“These illegal gambling dens don’t just bring bets — they bring crime: drugs, violence, weapons, and constant disturbances for neighbors,” the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said in a statement.
One officer remarked that the setup inside was “just like Vegas” — minus the legality and safety. The SDPD emphasized its zero-tolerance approach and urged locals to report suspicious activities by calling the non-emergency line: 619-531-2000.
📍 Raid #1 – Neighborhood Market (Teralta East)
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Suspects arrested: 4
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Seized:
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9 gambling machines
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$500 in cash
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Replica firearm
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The market was allegedly operating as an illegal gambling venue, and officers arrived with a search warrant to detain a person of interest.
📍 Raid #2 – Private Residence (Fairmount Ave.)
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Suspects arrested: 8
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Conducted by: SDPD, SWAT, Vice, and the FBI Violent Crime Task Force
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Seized:
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12 gambling machines
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2 handguns & ammunition
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Unspecified narcotics
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Over $1,000 in cash
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The second site was described as a full-scale illegal gambling den, concealed within a residential property.
⚖️ Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The 12 arrested individuals now face a variety of drug- and gambling-related charges. Investigations into additional suspects or locations may be ongoing.
🛑 Community First
The SDPD reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, warning that illegal gambling sites often attract far more than just betting.
“We are focused on shutting down operations that bring violence, drugs, and weapons into our neighborhoods,” the department stated.
