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WEST VALLEY CITY — Police arrested more than 50 people at two Internet cafes in an investigation of illegal gambling.
The businesses -- City Cyber Cafe, 2290 Redwood Road, and Digital Connections, 4660 S. 4000 West -- were raided in execution of a search warrant at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a West Valley City police news release.
Sixty individuals initially were detained for questioning, said police Sgt. Mike Powell. They were being held at the respective locations until the search was complete and arrests had been made, Powell said.
In addition to arresting those with outstanding arrests warrants, Powell anticipated some individuals would be arrested for investigation of drug-related offenses or criminal enterprise.
I think it's fair to say that this is obviously a great step in the right direction.
–Sgt. Mike Powell
"There will be arrests tonight," Powell said. "West Valley City will not tolerate gambling."
All assets of the businesses will be seized as a result of the investigation, the news release states.
"I think it's fair to say that this is obviously a great step in the right direction," he said. "At this point, the problem has come to a screeching halt."
The businesses have been the subject of investigation almost since they opened two years ago because of regular complaints from surrounding businesses and local residents, Powell said.
Complaints of heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, allegations of drug activity in the parking lots and fights have all been reported since the businesses opened, police said.
E-mail:sgarn@ksl.com
