Decatur police seize 50 gambling devices, arrest 7

Decatur police seize 50 gambling devices, arrest 7

Decatur police have arrested six people and are looking for another in connection with the seizure about 50 gambling devices.

According to police, vice and narcotics investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Hoover Avenue S.W. Monday, after months of complaints from residents about illegal gambling and drug activity, as well as calls on disturbances, gunshots and reckless driving.

Police said the search turned up 50 illegal gambling devices, an “extensive” camera and alert system, multiple firearms, a trafficking amount of opiate pills and a large quantity of Khat, a narcotic stimulant.

The gambling devices were seized pending condemnation proceedings. The fire marshal, acting on safety concerns, terminated electricity to the building, police said.

Maher Algassari Anwaraddin, 31, was charged with trafficking in illegal drugs, unlawful to maintain electric bells, drug possession, illegal possession of prescription drugs and promoting gambling. He was transported to the Morgan County Jail to be held on a $7,600 bond.

Five others were charged with simple gambling, a misdemeanor, while another person was charged with public intoxication.

Police are also looking for Bander “Mario” Mohamed, 42, of Madison, on active warrants drug trafficking, unlawful to maintain electric bells, drug possession and promoting gambling. Any information can be forwarded to the police tip line at (256) 341-4636.

Police said in a statement that other investigations into similar gambling establishments are ongoing.