Law enforcement shut down illegal gambling den in Hawaii

• A multi-agency operation against illegal gambling in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was executed late last week
• Raiding a suspected illegal gambling venue, police found and seized nearly $3,000 in cash and 15 gambling machines
• One suspect was arrested and charged for his alleged involvement

More than a dozen gambling machines were seized and one person was arrested during a recent raid at an illegal gambling room in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.

One arrested, gambling machines and cash seized

As announced by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), officers recently conducted an operation against illegal gambling at a venue on Old Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach.

A press release by HPD confirms that officers with the HPD Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail, were assisted by the District 8 Reduction Unit, Forfeiture Detail, Airport Operations Group and Specialized Services Division.

Raiding the establishment, described as an illegal gambling room, police arrested a 44-year-old male suspect.

On site, law enforcement uncovered and seized a total of 15 illegal gambling machines.

At the same time, police officers found and seized $2,700 in cash.

Per the HPD, all the cash and gambling machines were submitted into evidence.

44-year-old suspect is facing a couple of charges

The suspect was arrested on two charges: Possession of a Gambling Device and Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree.

If convicted on both charges, the 44-year-old man may face jail time, fines and probation.

Not unexpectedly, in cases related to illegal gambling, suspects forfeit cash obtained from such unlawful activities while gambling machines are seized.

Further confiscation of assets is possible, in the event that those were obtained with ill-gained funds.

In case the suspect has prior gambling-related convictions, they may be facing tougher penalties, including more time behind bars, higher fines and an extended probation period.

Maj. Jerome Pacarro of the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division, spoke about the recent illegal gambling operation.

"These enforcement operations are an important part of our ongoing efforts to address illegal gambling," he explained.

Moreover, Maj. Pacarro pointed out: "Each shutdown not only disrupts an illegal operation but also provides valuable information that can help identify and investigate those responsible for organizing and profiting from these activities."

The HPD encouraged anyone aware of illegal gambling activities to report those via the Narcotics/Vice Division’s hotline or file a report online.

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