Portsmouth Police bust businesses for illegal gambling

In a city-wide operation led by Portsmouth Police's Special Investigations Unit, numerous businesses were busted for participating in illegal gambling.

More than $30,000 and 157 computers were confiscated in the operation that also led to 11 summonses and one arrest.

Watch: Police investigate tampering of Chesapeake gambling machine

“Not in Portsmouth,” said Chief of Police Stephen Jenkins, “Every citizen and business is expected to follow the law."

Police say the bust was conducted after numerous complaints were made about the illegal gambling.

The department says at these establishments, other unlawful activities often follow after illegal gambling. Police used one of the raided businesses, Crazy Overstock, as an example: it was robbed earlier in September and raised concerns about violence.

Police didn't name any of the other raided businesses, but they said they were known to have gambling machines. Police said their intent was to make them aware of current gambling law in "a good faith attempt," but many businesses didn't comply.

"The willful disregard for the law led to the lawful crackdown on illegal gambling," said Portsmouth police in a statement to News 3. "Businesses that continue in illicit activity should expect a similar outcome for their establishment."

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