Illegal gambling probe in California results in arrest, seizure of firearms

• San Jose Police Department investigated illegal gambling, arresting several suspects before obtaining a warrant for the arrest of the suspected mastermind
• A 26-year-old man was booked on gambling and firearms charges in relation to the case
• Searching the suspect’s premises, law enforcement officers found and seized long and short-barreled firearms, cash and thousands of rounds of ammunition

A months-long investigation into illegal gambling in San Jose, California, resulted in the arrest of one young man, the seizure of nearly two dozen short and long-barreled guns, cash and thousands of dollars in cash.

Thousands of rounds, along with two dozen guns and cash were seized

The police operation, led by the San Jose Police Department’s (SJPD) MERGE Unit, was executed on the last day of April, but confirmation about the suspect’s arrest came on Monday.

Law enforcement detained the suspect, a 26-year-old man, in San Jose, after obtaining a warrant for his arrest.

After searching the suspect’s properties, SJPD officers uncovered approximately $51,000 in cash, a gold bullion, brass knuckles and butterfly knives.

Concerningly, police also found and seized 10 handguns, seven rifles, including a short-barreled fully automatic rifle, one shotgun, extended magazines as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition and parts used for the infamous ghost guns, which can be assembled in a person’s home.

The arrest of the 26-year-old follows an investigation into illegal gambling dating back to December 2025.

At the time, SJPD Patrol Officers raided a home on the 2700 block of Cramer Circle.

There, police arrested four suspects, some of whom had outstanding warrants.

The suspects faced a range of criminal charges, including those related to drugs and illegal gambling.

On site, police found and seized multiple illegal gambling devices and illicit drugs.

After the raid, police uncovered that the private residence continued to operate as an illegal gambling establishment and raided the location again early in April.

Arresting suspects and seizing equipment once again, law enforcement continued to investigate with the goal of uncovering who was the person behind the illegal gambling den.

In the course of the investigation, SJPD officers found out that the 26-year-old man was responsible for the illegal gambling activities.

After his recent arrest, the suspect was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail and faces a range of criminal charges.

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