FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The City of Fresno announced the shutdown of an illegal gambling operation at a local business, in Fresno, on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
The business, Irene’s Clothing and Discount Store, located on Blackstone Ave, has been under scrutiny for suspicious activities.
“We did several inspections of business and identified and confiscated illegal marijuana that was being sold, as well as other drug paraphernalia sold at the business,” Fresno District Three City Councilman Miguel Arias said.
Despite these findings, co-owner Rogelio Rivera denied any involvement with gambling or drugs, claiming the city never conducted inspections.
“We have a long record of it and they’ve been cited several times and they have significant fines,” Arias said. “If you go by any given day of the week you’ll see a long line of the transient population engaging in drug purchases and sales in that area.”
The councilman warned that property owners could face fines in the tens of thousands if illegal activities continue, with potential business seizures if fines remain unpaid.
“I would suggest to property owners, you should be on top of who you’re releasing to because we’re gonna start holding you accountable for any illegal activity that the business operator and your building engages in,” Arias said.
The inspections involved representatives from the state attorney general, Fresno Police Department, and the code enforcement department, with undercover investigations and surveillance conducted by Fresno PD.