Police charge 68 in Ottawa poker bust

Ottawa police executed search warrants Wednesday evening at the Poker Loft, the Ottawa River Club, the Uppercut Club, and the Royal where they believe illegal Texas Hold'em games were being played. They arrested 68 people who are all facing charges.

The bust is the result of a six-month investigation and was conducted by the illegal gambling unit of the Ontario Provincial with help from the Ottawa Police Service.

The 68 people arrested have been released but are expected to appear later in the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa. Eight of them are charged with keeping a common gaming house, while the other 60 are charged with being found in a common gaming house. One man was also charged with two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.

During the raid, police seized gaming tables, chips, cards, $12,000 in cash, and other gambling paraphernalia. They also seized marijuana and took furnishings, electronics, and entertainment units they believe are proceeds resulting from the illegal activities.

News Added: 12 October, 2006

Number of views : 770