Hawaiian illegal gambling den shut down by law enforcement

The Honolulu Police Department recently carried out a crackdown on illegal gambling at a venue on Old Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach. According to an HPD press release, the operation was led by officers from the Narcotics/Vice Division's Gambling Detail, with support from the District 8 Reduction Unit, Forfeiture Detail, Airport Operations Group, and Specialized Services Division. During the raid on what was described as an illegal gambling room, a 44-year-old man was arrested. Officers on the scene discovered and confiscated 15 illegal gambling machines, along with $2,700 in cash. The HPD stated that all the seized cash and gambling machines have been entered into evidence.

The suspect has been arrested on two charges: possessing a gambling device and promoting gambling in the second degree. If convicted of both charges, the 44-year-old man could face jail time, fines, and probation. In cases involving illegal gambling, it's common for suspects to forfeit cash from such activities, while gambling machines are seized. Additional asset confiscation is possible if they were funded by unlawful gains. If the suspect has prior gambling-related convictions, he may face harsher penalties, including more jail time, steeper fines, and longer probation. Major Jerome Pacarro of the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division spoke about the recent illegal gambling operation, stating, These enforcement operations are an important part of our ongoing efforts to address illegal gambling. He also noted, Each shutdown not only disrupts an illegal operation but also provides valuable information that can help identify and investigate those responsible for organizing and profiting from these activities. The HPD is urging anyone with knowledge of illegal gambling activities to report them through the Narcotics/Vice Division’s hotline or file a report online.