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AGO raids gambling den
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Posted on Sep 14 1999
Eight Chinese nationals have been detained for illegal gambling and three others for immigration violations in the latest raid conducted by authorities in the tourist district of Garapan, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Combined forces from the AGO’s Investigative Unit, Department of Public Safety and the Department of Labor and Immigration swooped down on a suspected illegal gambling den located at the former Mai Thai Restaurant early Sunday morning.
A search warrant issued by the Superior Court allowed authorities to force their entry into the establishment after the suspects refused to let them in, acting Attorney General Maya B. Kara said in a statement released yesterday.
“Upon arrival and after the officers announced their purpose, necessary force was used in order to effect entry to the business as the occupants refused to unlock the door,” she said.
The raiding team found 23 individuals hiding within the establishment, eight of whom were arrested for illegal gambling.
A female Chinese, who was ordered deported earlier this year and had an outstanding bench warrant, was also nabbed by DOLI agents at the same operations, along with two others who had no proper identification.
“Further investigation is being conducted concerning immigration violations,” Kara said.
Last Sunday’s arrest is the latest in a string of raids being conducted by law enforcement agencies as part of the government campaign against illegal gambling on Saipan.
The chief government lawyer stressed “gambling is a violation of CNMI law and will not be tolerated.”
Local authorities have so far shut down two illegal gambling establishments during previous operations, including a raid last Sept. 3 in which several people had been arrested.
The first raid was held in the Garapan area on July 3 where nine people were arrested and are now facing charges filed by AG.
In an interview last week, Kara warned the public that casino gambling on Saipan is strictly prohibited under the Constitution and that her office would intensify efforts to close down illegal gambling business on the island.
