Multi-agency raids in Tennessee crack down on illegal gambling

• Law enforcement agencies in Tennessee engaged in a lengthy investigation to identify illegal gambling and drug distribution across Columbia
• Police and agents executed 22 search warrants simultaneously, arresting 13 people and seizing 144 gambling machines, drugs and $1.3m in cash
• Jeremy Haywood, Columbia Police Chief, speaks about the multi-agency operation

Law enforcement in Tennessee raided nearly two dozen businesses over suspicion of illegal gambling.

The large-scale police operation comes after an investigation and resulted in the arrest of more than a dozenind ividuals and the seizure of a large quantity of illegal gambling machines.

Gambling machines, cash and drugs seized

On Wednesday, the Columbia Police Department, Tennessee, confirmed details regarding a multi-agency operation against illegal gambling and drug distribution.

The raids took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with officers and agents simultaneously executing 22 search warrants at 20 Columbia businesses as well as two private residences.

During the latest raids, agents and officers found and seized a total of 144 illegal gambling machines.

Moreover, a sum of $1,328,269 in cash was recovered and seized.

Concerningly, during the raids, police found and seized more than 100 pounds of kratom and THCA.

Kratom is a herbal drug that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects, while THCA, also popular as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is often found in fresh, undried cannabis.

Ahead of the raids, the Columbia Police Department and the Mayor's Office received complaints from local residents and businesses, claiming illegal gambling has been taking place.

Those complaints resulted in the launch of an investigation in July, which saw officers and agents go undercover and visit local businesses.

The investigation identified 20 businesses engaging in illegal gambling and paying out wins.

What's more, officers observed minors engaging in gambling activities and increased drug trading at some of the locations.

The two residential addresses were identified by police as locations where illegal gambling proceeds were housed.

In total, 13 suspects have been arrested.

The successful operation highlights multi-agency efforts

The large-scale raids across Columbia included officers and agents from the Columbia Police Department, Portland Police Department, Gallatin Police Department, IRS, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force.

Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Haywood discussed the recent operation, Casino Guru News learned from a press release.

"This was a lengthy and complex investigation, and I want to begin by thanking every law enforcement agency that worked alongside the Columbia Police Department to make this operation possible," he explained.

Moreover, Haywood pointed out: "Our investigators spent weeks gathering evidence and identifying illegal activity occurring throughout our community. The results of this operation demonstrate the professionalism of our officers and the strength of the partnerships we have with law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels."

Mayor Chaz Molder commended the Columbia Police Department and involved agencies for their lengthy investigation and cooperation that cracked down on illegal gambling and drug distribution.

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