Oklahoma City Gambling Raid Leads to Eight Arrests, Suspected Marijuana Seized

Posted on: November 1, 2022, 04:06h. 

Last updated on: November 1, 2022, 03:18h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Eight suspects were arrested following the recent raid of an illicit gambling operation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Gambling machines, cash, and gaming tables were discovered in the search, police said.

An Oklahoma City, Okla., police cruiser
An Oklahoma City, Okla., police cruiser, pictured above. Local police recently raided an illegal gambling site. (Image: KOKH)

The raid took place on Friday in a 23rd Street property located on the capital city’s northwest side.

Numerous sealed packages of suspected marijuana were also seized by police, KOKH, a local TV station, reported. The street value of the drugs is unknown, but it was described as “multiple pounds of marijuana” by KFOR, another local station.

The suspects were identified as Meilan Chen, 32, Meiyu Chen, 65, Ji Ni, 60, Lei Wang, 34, Shengkun Weng, 32, Hong Zheng, 34, Qi Zheng, 54, and Sha Zie, 36. Each was placed in the Oklahoma County Jail. It’s unclear if any of the suspects are related. Each suspect will face criminal trials in local courts.

The charges include distribution of a controlled substance, commercial gambling, and proceeds derived from violating a state statute, KFOR said.

The search was approved by a local judge after police presented evidence to a court. Officials requested a warrant for the raid.

Chickasaw Mobile Gaming

On another gambling front, Oklahoma’s largest gaming operator, the Chickasaw Nation, was approved for mobile gaming in September.

The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGC) okayed Class II online gaming for the tribe for bettors within the boundaries of its reservation. Chickasaw lands comprise some 1,230 square miles in Oklahoma.