The Galveston Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit served 21 search-and-arrest warrants across Galveston County on Thursday. Officials said the operations targeted alleged illegal gambling with electronic eight-liners in the City of Galveston, Texas City and La Marque. Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said investigators seized more than $2 million, though that figure is not final.
Balli said the investigation began after a tip about suspected illegal gambling in June. A police news release said four people were arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, with bonds set at $250,000 each. Search warrants were executed at 14 businesses, storage facilities and venues, according to the release.
Representatives for Home Team Storage and Corner Pocket Bar told Houston Public Media their businesses would keep their normal hours but declined to comment on the allegations. Other businesses did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said at a Friday news conference that the county's effort is continuing.