• The coordinated efforts of law enforcement in Marshall and Harrison Counties in Texas resulted in raids on seven businesses
• The operation against illegal gambling saw several people arrested and dozens of illegal gambling machines seized
• Police remain vigilant and will continue to fight illegal gambling

In mid-May, law enforcement in Marshall, Texas, executed a search warrant at the Fina gas station at 1601 W. Grand Ave and uncovered and seized 10 illegal gambling machines along with illegal THC products.

In a related case late last week, police conducted a coordinated operation against illegal gambling, raiding several locations and arresting suspects.

70 illegal gambling devices found and seized

On Saturday, the Marshall Police Department confirmed that an operation against illegal gambling took place across Marshall and Harrison County.

A total of seven search warrants were executed after being issued by 71st District Judge Brad Morin.

As a result, law enforcement conducted searches at several businesses.

Per the Marshall Police Department's announcement, searches were conducted at:

• Pony Express Truck Stop at 304 I-20 East, Marshall, TX
• Poplar Store at 1001 Poplar St., Marshall, TX
• Skill Games at 5206 F.M. 968, Longview, TX
• Grab & Go at 4204 U.S. Highway 59, Marshall, TX
• Wanda's at 15229 F.M. 968, Longview, TX
• Valero at 6135 U.S. Highway 80, Longview, TX
• Wildcat Grocery at 13863 F.M. 450, Harleton, TX

Raiding the locations, law enforcement collected evidence and uncovered illegal gambling machines.

Overall, 70 illegal gambling devices were discovered and seized.

In addition, the police found methamphetamine.

While there were several people arrested, per the Marshall Police Department's announcement, the investigation into the illegal gambling operations is still ongoing.

Besides gambling-related charges, suspects are expected to face drug-related charges too.

Law enforcement did not confirm the exact number of suspects and what particular charges they may be facing.

The raids come after an extensive investigation into illegal gambling

Combatting illegal gambling remains a top priority for Texas police.

"Law enforcement agencies across Marshall and Harrison County, along with the District Attorney’s Office, remain united in their message: illegal game rooms will not be tolerated," reads the statement from the Marshall Police Department.

"These establishments pose a threat to public safety, and we will continue to hold those who break the law accountable," the message further reads.

Per the announcement, the search warrants follow "an extensive investigation targeting businesses operating illegal gambling devices."

The Marshall Police Department Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office collaborated to execute the search warrants and successfully shut down the illegal gambling dens.

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