In the recent raid on the illegal casino in San Jose, local law enforcement got more than they were hoping for. In the process of taking down the underground gambling ring, SJPD also took down the illegal marijuana grow located next door. So far, there have been two arrests of individuals suspected of running both the gambling and drug operation.
It all began this summer when San Jose police received a tip on the illegal casino being run at the local industrial storage facility. They immediately kicked -off the investigation and surveillance of the business located at 1600 block of Rogers Ave, just to the north of Interstate 880 / U.S. Highway 101 interchange. According to the police officials, the location was found to be a hub for all sorts of illegal activitieshttps://playslots4realmoney.com/gaming-podcast-gain-insight/#the-biggest-gambling-den-amp;-. The suspects were involved in illegal gambling, drug growing, and dealing, and buying and selling stolen items.
The police acted on a search warrant on the premises on September 17. As they approached to serve the warrant, a number of occupants of the facility tried to flee by breaking the interior walls and tunneling to the adjacent shops. The officers managed to detain most of them while they were coming out of the businesses located next to the suspect location.
As police searched the facility, they discovered huge marijuana grow operation in one of the rooms. They quickly requested another search warrant and for that particular location. Besides 33 pounds of marijuana, the detectives also discovered 25 pounds of THC product, two handguns, and ammunition.
Interesting Article: Will The US States That Have Legalized Marijuana Be The Next To Make Internet Gambling Legal?
The owner of a store in the same facility, Anamarie Fernandes, testified that she could often smell marijuana through the walls. When interviewed by the media, she stated that she’s glad that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
After a detailed investigation, the police identified two persons as leaders of the underground gambling ring and marijuana operation. The prime suspects are San Jose residents, John Le (45) and Mike Le (36). Despite the same last names, the police have no knowledge of the relationship between the two.
Both of them were arrested by the San Jose Police Department on October 29. They were also served a search warrant granting police the right to search their homes. During the search, police discovered even more illegal substances and weapons. A total of 300 pounds of marijuana were seized. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is around $600,000. In addition, the police officers also found $30,000 in cash, along with two firearms and ammunition.
The police stated that both suspects were previously prohibited from owning firearms. John Le and Mike Le were apprehended and booked into Santa Clara County Jail. They now face charges of running an illegal gambling operation, illegal weapon possession, and drug sales. At the moment both, of the arrested suspects are out on bail and are awaiting court appearances.