The neon lure of illegal gambling was dimmed in Nānākuli earlier this week, with Honolulu police cracking down on an illicit operation. As reported by the Honolulu Police Department, officers from the Narcotics Vice Division, the District 8 Crime Reduction Unit, and the Specialized Services Division, swooped in to execute a search warrant on September 17 at around 6 p.m. This raid happened at an address on Auyong Homestead Rd., which was uncovered to be the hub for unauthorized gambling activities.
Authorities were able to quickly identify and seize 16 gambling machines, as well as pocketing more than $5,000 in cash likely derived from the unlawful enterprise. Amid the bust, a 38-year-old woman didn’t manage to escape the long arm of the law and was subsequently arrested. She now faces charges for Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree and Possession of a Gambling Device—serious accusations that could see her to have to count more than just chips if convicted.
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has stated that shutting down illegal gambling operations is a priority. In a report published last Thursday, officials urged the public to report any suspicious activity. Tips can be shared through HPD’s 24-hour hotline at (808) 723-3933 or through an online reporting form.
