More than 60 gambling machines seized during searches in San Diego, Chula Vista

Two search warrants served in Chula Vista and San Diego as part of an investigation into an illegal gambling operation resulted in the seizure of 60 gambling machines, money and drugs, San Diego police said.

The machines — which included slot machines and electronic card games, among others — were first found on El Cajon Boulevard near Estrella Avenue in City Heights during an operation Tuesday morning.

Multiple people were detained, and 23 machines, money and drugs were seized.

A second warrant was served at a storage facility on Third Avenue near Naples Street, where another 39 machines were found in three separate storage units, police said.

“These locations often attract additional criminal activity, including narcotics sales, theft, and violence,” San Diego police Lt. Tim Radtke said. “Because they operate outside of regulated environments, they lack proper security, create unsafe conditions for occupants and nearby businesses, and can become hubs for exploitation and financial harm.”

Police have been cracking down on illegal gambling operations, including several in City Heights, over the past few years following complaints from residents and an uptick in crime reported in the vicinity of the establishments.