Mahjong table seized, 16 arrested after illegal gaming house busted in Richmond
Sixteen people were arrested in Richmond last month when police busted an illegal gaming house – seizing cash, a poker table, chips, cards and an automated mahjong game.
In a statement Tuesday, authorities said the December investigation and subsequent raid of the residential property involved the RCMP's gang and organized crime units, agents from the Canada Border Service Agency, and the Lower Mainland's police dog unit.
Of those arrested, the majority were participating in the illegal gaming, according to police, while two were the "caretakers" of the house, and two were professional card dealers.
"Illegal gaming houses are one piece of the larger organized crime puzzle. This was highly successful operation by our detachment and our partner agencies," Staff Sgt. Patrick Damgajian wit the Richmond RCMP's organized crime unit said in the statement.
"Not only were we able to safely dismantle this gaming house but we were able to gather valuable intelligence. We will continue systematically identifying and investigate all such establishments and mitigate the further spread of them in our community."
Police have not named any of those arrested or provided details about what charges they may face, however, they did say that two of the people arrested are now facing deportation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.