North Carolina: Police in Matthews Seizes Gambling Equipment, Guns

Across the United States, law enforcement and state regulators constantly fight illegal gambling establishments. Not only such venues do not pay taxes and may push people into gambling harm but can often be associated with other unlawful activities, including assault, battery, robbery, drug distribution and prostitution, among others. This emphasizes the need for constant monitoring and swift actions against illegal gambling establishments.

In one such case, police in Matthews, North Carolina, detained several individuals and seized gambling devices and weapons during a recent police raid. The actions of the Matthews Police Department follow an extensive investigation into unlawful gambling that resulted in the execution of a search warrant at Ocean King Arcade located at 11032 E. Independence Blvd in the city.

The raid at the business, suspected of operating as an illegal gambling venue, resulted in the arrest of a total of four individuals. Each of the suspects was hit with charges related to illegal gambling and unlicensed armed security. Moreover, the suspects faced charges over outstanding arrest warrants.

The Matthews Police Department acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including Stallings PD, Pineville PD and the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency (ALE), among others, that played a vital role in the investigation. “These partnerships are key to helping us collectively keep our communities safe,” wrote the Matthews Police Department and added that the investigation into the unlawful activity at the aforementioned location continues.

“On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Matthews Police Department executed a search warrant at Ocean King Arcade located at 11032 E. Independence Blvd. This operation was due to an extensive investigation into suspected illegal gambling activities within this business,“

reads a statement released by the Matthews Police Department

Gambling Devices, US Currency and Guns Were Seized

Further details released by law enforcement confirm a large number of arcade machines were found on site. Police seized hard drives and gaming software from a “total of 75 arcade machines consisting of 111 individual playing stations.”

As it is usual, law enforcement found US currency as well, which was also seized. Still, the Matthews Police Department did not disclose what was the sum seized from the illegal gambling establishment.

To make matters worse, law enforcement uncovered a total of four firearms on site. Three of the firearms were pistols, while one of them looked like an assault rifle, judging by photos released by police on Wednesday.