HOUSTON – A large-scale law enforcement operation targeting alleged illegal gambling activity unfolded Monday morning across Galveston County and neighboring areas.
Investigators executed 21 total search warrants tied to what officials describe as a long-running organized criminal enterprise linked to suspected money laundering and illegal gambling operations centered in La Marque.
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According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Task Force, the coordinated raids began around 9:30 a.m. as part of the ongoing probe.
Authorities have not yet announced arrests, criminal charges or details regarding evidence seized during the raids.
Officials said additional information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Officials said seven of the warrants targeted game rooms believed to be connected to the operation.
The businesses searched included locations along Interstate 45 in La Marque, as well as sites on Lake Road, Main Street, State Highway 3 and Highway 6 in Alvin.
The locations searched included:
- Gold Chest: 5307 IH-45, La Marque
- Pig Pen: 5309 I-45, La Marque
- TJ’s: 4320 IH-45, La Marque
- Rusty’s: 228 Lake Road, La Marque
- Purple Building: 1002 Main Street, La Marque
- Double Diamond: 116 State Highway 3, La Marque
- 24/7: 22430 West Highway 6, Alvin
Investigators also expanded the operation into Fort Bend County, where two additional warrants were executed in Sugar Land.
Authorities said one location was tied to the suspected owner and operator of the Gold Chest game room, while another warehouse was believed to be used to store and distribute gambling machines connected to the investigation.
In addition to the property searches, detectives served 12 financial institution warrants as investigators continue tracing the alleged financial network behind the operation.
Law enforcement personnel remained at several scenes throughout the day Monday as members of GCSO processed evidence and continued investigative work.
Several agencies assisted in the operation, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department, League City Police Department and the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.