San Jose police say they shut down an illegal gambling operation that was being run out of a private home, seizing 15 gambling machines along with cash and drugs.
According to a statement from the San Jose Police Department, officers working with the department's Special Operations Metro Unit began gathering information in September about suspected illegal gambling and drug activity at a residence in the 4500 block of Houndshaven Way.
What officers found
On Sept. 25, officers served a search warrant at the house with help from the department's MERGE unit, its tactical team. Police said the search turned up 15 illegal gambling machines, thousands of dollars in cash and roughly 39 grams of methamphetamine. The department did not give an exact cash total.
Four people were arrested. Police said the main suspect was booked on offenses tied to illegal gambling, conspiracy and narcotics possession. The other three were booked on outstanding warrants and on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer. The department did not release any of the suspects' names or ages.
Why home gambling dens draw police attention
Machines like the ones seized are often slot-style or so-called sweepstakes terminals, which are illegal to operate for cash prizes in California outside of licensed tribal casinos. Police did not describe the specific type of machines found in this case.
The department framed the bust as part of its broader push on neighborhood safety, saying in its announcement that investigations like this one are part of an ongoing commitment to keeping San Jose neighborhoods safe and that cooperation between residents and officers helps police act on criminal activity.
Police released the details publicly on Oct. 9, about two weeks after the warrant was served. The cases now move to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, which decides what charges to file. Arrests are not convictions, and anyone charged is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Residents who suspect illegal gambling or drug sales in their neighborhood can report it to San Jose police through the department's non-emergency line at 408-277-8900.