Illegal gambling operation broken up in warrant search at Citrus Heights shopping center

Citrus Heights police said Friday they had broken up an illegal gambling establishment, leading to the arrest of two people wanted on warrants and suspicion of possessing an illegal firearm.

After months of investigation surrounding the suspected slaphouse, Citrus Heights officers served a search warrant at the Grand Oaks Shopping Center on the 7900 block of Auburn Bouelvard about 7 a.m. Thursday.

The Citrus Heights Police Department said in a news release that the “operation was found to be in violation of several state and local laws including possession of a slot machine device and maintaining a place for gambling.” Illegal drugs were also seized, police said.

During the search, two individuals were found inside the slaphouse who were later arrested for outstanding felony warrants and possession of an illegal firearm, according to the release. Their identities were not released by police, and it’s not known how they were connected to the operation.

“Further investigation into the subject(s) who operated this location is forthcoming,” police said.

According to the release, detectives worked alongside California’s Bureau of Gambling Control to investigate the operation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Citrus Heights’ IMPACT detectives at 916-727-5524 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-HELP.

This story was originally published June 10, 2022 at 2:02 PM.