HPD closes 3 gambling operations at Hausten Street complex

The Honolulu Police Department confiscated more than $12,000 and shut down three illegal gambling operations operating out of the same apartment complex on Hausten Street in Moiliili.

At about 2:30 p.m. Thursday, HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Division served two search warrants at separate illegal game rooms operating within the same apartment complex at 931 Hausten St., according to police.

During the searches, police “corroborated prior intelligence and identified a third illegal game room” operating within the complex. Officers shut down three illegal game rooms within the same apartment complex.

HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Gambling Detail, with the assistance of District six and District seven Crime Reduction Units, Forfeiture Detail, AOG Detail, EMS personnel and Specialized Services Division, recovered 57 gaming machines, more than $12,000 in cash and illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, according to HPD.

No arrests have been made at this time.

“These enforcement operations are not simply about shutting down illegal game rooms in the short term,” said Maj. Jerome Pacarro of the Narcotics/Vice Division, in a statement. “Each operation generates valuable intelligence that helps identify those who organize, facilitate, and profit from these criminal enterprises. We will continue applying pressure through proactive enforcement and short-term enforcement operations while simultaneously building long-term investigations that hold those responsible for facilitating and profiting from these illegal establishments accountable.”

Thursday’s operation was the second time in six days that HPD closed down an illegal gambling operation in an Oahu neighborhood.

On July 1, HPD officers seized 17 gaming machines and more than $6,000 in cash from an illegal gambling operation in Waipahu on Thursday. At about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, HPD officers searched an illegal game room on Awanei Street in Waipahu.

HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Gambling Detail, with the help of the District Three Crime Reduction Unit, Forfeiture Detail and Specialized Services Division, found 17 gaming machines and more than $6,000 in cash, which were submitted into evidence.

HPD has shuttered 28 illegal game rooms so far this year by serving 23 search warrants and securing compliance from four property owners with the law. Police have arrested 17 people and charged them with 29 gambling and related offenses, according to HPD.

Officers have seized 344 gambling devices.

“HPD remains committed to addressing illegal gambling operations that negatively impact the safety and quality of life in our communities,” read a statement from HPD.

To report illegal gambling, call the Narcotics/Vice 24-hour hotline at 808-723-3933 or use the online form: https://rb.gy/4066m5