NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Jason Clark 573-526-6122

DDCC1-05

January 5, 2005



EMPHASIS: Seizure of Illegal Gambling Device





On January 5, 2005, investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, officers from Troop G Headquarters, along with investigators from the South Central Drug Task Force conducted an operation focused on illegal gambling. As a result of this operation, the officers investigated approximately 12 legitimate businesses in six counties in the Troop G area. Approximately 27 illegal gambling devices were seized from those businesses. This action followed a year-long investigation involving both covert undercover activity and overt surveillance of the businesses. Counties where gambling machines were located include: Ripley, Shannon, Texas, Howell, Douglas and Oregon.



In a related investigation, the Patrol assisted the Internal Revenue Service with two search warrants at a residence and a business in West Plains, MO. Inquiries about these warrants should be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office at (417) 831-4406, located in Springfield, MO.