Two people have been charged following an investigation into an alleged illegal gambling house in Richmond.
Thi Dung Le and Jordan Jackson Guy have both been charged with one count of keeping a gaming or betting house, according to Richmond Mounties.
The Richmond RCMP's organized crime unit launched the investigation in May, and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 10700 block of Finlayson Drive – near Shell Road and River Road – on July 2.
Cash, poker chips and tables were among the “numerous items” seized during that raid, Mounties said.
“With zero regulations and often a nexus to organized crime, these illegal gambling houses pose a risk to the public,” said Cst. Kenneth Lau, Richmond RCMP spokesperson, in a statement.
“We do not want them operating in Richmond and will continue to actively investigate and target these suspected locations.”
According to RCMP, signs of an illegal gambling house include vehicles and people who do not live in the neighbourhood frequently visiting a particular residence, staying late throughout the night.
Loud noises or “sounds of people partying” late at night can also be a sign, in addition to social media advertisements of casino games being held at a residence.
Richmond RCMP asks anyone with information about illegal gambling houses to contact them at 604-278-1212 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
