The operation took place Thursday at a smoke shop located in the 11400 block of Whittier Boulevard.
According to the Whittier Police Department, SWAT teams from Whittier and Downey, along with a Special Enforcement Team, carried out a search warrant related to suspected narcotics and weapons activity.
Investigators searched the business and discovered evidence they say was connected to drug sales.
More than 46.2 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine were seized during the operation. Police also found digital scales and other items they described as commonly associated with narcotics sales.
The discovery of the suspected drug operation was only part of what investigators found inside the business.
The Alleged Hidden Casino
Police said the smoke shop was also being used for illegal gambling.
“The business was operating as a smoke shop with an illegal gambling casino attached,” police said.
The statement, shared by the Whittier Police Department, indicated that investigators discovered a separate gambling operation connected to the business.
The department did not immediately release additional details about how the alleged casino operated, how long it had allegedly been operating or how many people may have used the gambling area.
The discovery added another layer to an investigation that had initially focused on narcotics and weapons.
Drugs and Suspected Sales Evidence
According to police, investigators recovered more than 46.2 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine during the search.
Officers also found scales and other materials that police said were consistent with narcotics sales.
The presence of multiple pieces of suspected drug-sale equipment was part of the evidence collected during the warrant operation.
As reported by KTLA, authorities did not provide a breakdown of exactly how much of the seized substance was methamphetamine versus cocaine.
The investigation into the suspected narcotics activity remains part of the broader case.
Weapons Recovered
The search also uncovered multiple weapons and ammunition.
Police said officers recovered two loaded handguns equipped with high-capacity magazines.
Investigators also found armor-piercing ammunition during the search.
More than $800 in cash was also recovered.
The combination of suspected narcotics, firearms, ammunition and cash contributed to the multiple charges being faced by the three suspects arrested during the operation.
Police have not publicly identified the suspects or provided a detailed breakdown of the charges against each individual.
WHY IT MATTERS
The raid highlights the range of activity authorities say they encountered inside a business operating as a smoke shop.
What investigators were initially examining as a narcotics- and weapons-related case ultimately led to the discovery of what police described as an illegal gambling casino attached to the business.
The alleged combination of drug activity, firearms and gambling has drawn attention because the operation was reportedly located inside a commercial smoke shop.
For investigators, the search warrant provided an opportunity to collect evidence connected to several alleged activities at the same location.
The Whittier Police Department described the findings publicly after the operation, giving residents a look at what authorities say they discovered during the raid.
The Multi-Agency Operation
The search involved multiple law enforcement teams.
SWAT personnel from both the Whittier Police Department and Downey Police Department participated in the operation, along with a Special Enforcement Team.
The use of specialized teams reflects the weapons-related nature of the search warrant and the potential risks associated with entering a location where firearms were suspected to be present.
Officers ultimately recovered two loaded handguns along with additional ammunition and other evidence.
The multi-agency response also allowed investigators to secure the location while conducting the search.
Three Arrests
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
Police said all three were booked into the Whittier Police Department jail following the search.
Authorities have not released their names, ages or additional identifying information.
It is also unclear from the information released by police whether all three suspects are accused of the same offenses or whether investigators believe they had different roles in the alleged operation.
Those details could become clearer as the case moves through the criminal justice system.
What Police Have Not Disclosed
Despite the discoveries, several details about the alleged gambling operation remain unknown.
Police did not explain what type of gambling was allegedly taking place inside the business or identify the equipment investigators found that led them to describe the location as an illegal casino.
Authorities also did not say whether customers were actively gambling when officers served the warrant.
The department has not disclosed how investigators first became aware of the suspected activity or how long the alleged operation had been in place.
Additional information could be released as investigators continue reviewing the evidence.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The three arrested suspects were booked into the Whittier Police Department jail and are now facing multiple charges connected to the investigation.
Investigators will continue examining the drugs, weapons, cash and other materials seized during the search.
The alleged gambling operation may also be subject to additional investigation as authorities determine the full scope of activity at the location.
The Whittier Police Department has not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
The case remains active, and further information could be released as the investigation progresses.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- The identities of the three suspects arrested during the raid.
- The specific charges filed against each suspect.
- How long the alleged illegal casino had been operating.
- What type of gambling was allegedly taking place inside the smoke shop.
- How investigators initially discovered the suspected narcotics and weapons activity.
- Whether additional arrests will be made as the investigation continues.