Police Shut Down Another Illegal Gambling Den In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — For the second time in two days, police have shut down an illegal gambling den in San Diego, authorities announced Monday.

The latest raid happened Friday, when investigators served a search warrant at Rrocky's Market at 4738 University Ave. in the Teralta East neighborhood, according to the San Diego Police Department. Police seized nine illegal gambling machines, $477 in cash, and a replica firearm.

"At the time of the incident, there were four people inside the business partaking in illegal gambling activities," SDPD Capt. Martha Sainz said. "One person was arrested for probation violation and the remaining three were given gambling den related citations."

On Thursday, police shut down an illegal gambling den operating out of a home in the 2600 block of Fairmount Avenue in the City Heights neighborhood.

During the raid, authorities arrested six people and seized 12 illegal gambling machines, two handguns, ammunition, narcotics and more than $1,000 in cash, Sainz said. Two other occupants of the home were issued citations, and four more were interrogated and released.

In February, detectives discovered an illegal gambling den at the home while investigating a double shooting in the area, Sainz said. Officers seized several gambling machines and shut down the illicit operation, but learned about a month later it had been reestablished.

"These 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," Sainz said. "SDPD continually works to investigate and address illegal gambling dens throughout the city of San Diego.