Police have busted an alleged illegal gambling house in Maple Ridge, seizing a poker paraphernalia, cash, and a firearm.
As a result of a six-month investigation and searches by multiple police teams 11 people were arrested, and items seized included:
• A shotgun with a suppressor.
• More than $34,000 in cash.
• Three vehicles – 2012 Dodge Caravan, 2017 Range Rover, and a 2024 Honda CRV.
• Gaming equipment including, ledgers, poker tables, custom casino style chips, cards, and other gambling paraphernalia.
“Illegal gaming houses are not harmless operations – they are often tied to organized crime and bring significant risks to public safety,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, police media relations officer. “These locations can become hubs for violence, exploitation, and other criminal activity, putting both patrons and surrounding communities in danger.”
In November 2025, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) started an investigation into the suspected gaming house.
On April 29, JIGIT and Uniform Gang Enforcement Team officers executed multiple search warrants in Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, and Surrey. They had the assistance of the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, the Independent Gambling Control Office, Surrey Police Service, Coquitlam RCMP, and Maple Ridge RCMP.
Those arrested were later released, pending charge assessments by Crown prosecutors. Police obtained B.C. casino bans on six of the individuals arrested, which took affect on April 30.
This investigation is still ongoing and charges are anticipated.