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SFPD raids 2 Tenderloin businesses operating as illegal gambling dens
San Francisco Police say they were tipped off by community members about two businesses in the Tenderloin that were fronts for illegal gambling operations. A worker in the area said law enforcement raided a corner market and a laundromat on the same block. Police say they arrested 8 men who are residents of the city. Police say there may be more arrests.
SAN FRANCISCO - Police said they conducted raids on two businesses that were fronts for illegal gambling dens in San Francisco's Tenderloin this week.
The San Francisco Police Department said their narcotics division carried out search warrants on Tuesday at two retail store locations on the 200 block of Leavenworth Street.
A worker in the area said police raided T L Market and Deli and a laundromat on the same block.
Police arrested eight men, ages 20 to 40, in connection to the illegal gambling operations.
"Illegal gambling harbors other criminal activities such as prostitution, such as narcotics sales," said Officer Paulina Henderson, spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department.
She said it was community members who tipped police off about the illegal gambling dens," A strong bond with the community is instrumental in keeping the city safe."
Among some of the other stolen items police found were, suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, $12,000 in cash, stolen products, cigarettes, a firearm and a replica gun.
"I'm happy to see the bust, to see the neighborhood being cleaned up," said Rene Colorado who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 13 years.
He's also executive director of the Tenderloin Merchants Association.
"I was surprised to see illegal gambling of that magnitude going on. You just never know," said Colorado.
Despite the arrests, SFPD said this case remains an open and active investigation.
SFPD said the San Francisco Sherriff's Office as well as the Army National Guard Counterdrug Taskforce were instrumental in carrying out this operation.
Police said there may be more arrests.
Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU
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