Illegal Drug, Gambling House Taken Down in New York's East Village
NEW YORK - New York City Police say they have arrested 32 people on Friday morning and busted an illegal gambling house that was also a heroin and cocaine distribution hub.
The operation conducted business in four states: New York City, Massachusetts, Georgia and Florida.
The police indictment identifies David Diaz, 52, as the alleged head of both the narcotics distribution network and the gambling operation.
Search warrants recovered $125,000 in cash, multiple money counters, gambling records, thousands of poker chips and two vehicles. Weapons were also confiscated.
Cocaine, heroin, marijuana and Xanax pills were also discovered on the premises.
From CBS News:
Police described The Poker House as running from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. with two floors hosting 30 players at a time. Entry into the gambling games required vetting by a woman based in Atlanta who also oversaw an online poker business. She would text approval for individuals in order to participate at the East Village operation.
Players at lower stakes tables on the first floor were required to purchase a minimum of $200 in chips, while higher stakes players upstairs were required to purchase $500 in chips.
“Each game lasted two hours, enabling tens of thousands of dollars to change hands in a single night,” police said in a statement.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
