Photo: 413 W. 17th Street
SANTA ANA – A history of criminal activity and subsequent community complaints finally got the best of Santa Ana’s Fantasy Royal Gift Shop, which was served a search warrant this past Wednesday, April 17th, 2019.
Community members reported that the shop—located at 413 West 17th Street—had been a meeting place for “illegal gambling and narcotics activity.” Police had been making many arrests “in and around the location” as as result.
A search by the Santa Ana Police Department revealed that the shop was, in fact, a “fully operational gambling establishment” and was additionally “red tagged” as “unsafe for occupancy” by the Santa Ana Code Enforcement Unit.
Five people were detained, three of which were taken into police custody for gambling and warrants. Items seized by police included five gambling machines—which “accommodated at least thirty-three gambling stations”—computers, a DVR, a money counter, about $1,600 cash, and incriminating documents.
To report other possible illegal gambling establishments in Santa Ana, please call the Santa Ana Police Vice Unit at (714) 245-8502 or Santa Ana Code Enforcement at (714) 667-2780.
