Key Moments
Investigation Initiation
The investigation into a suspected Illegal Gaming House in Maple Ridge, B.C., was launched by CFSEU-BC's JIGIT in November 2025.Search Warrants and Arrests
On April 29, 2026, multiple search warrants were executed across Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, and Surrey, leading to the arrest of eleven individuals linked to illegal gaming activities.Seized Items
Authorities seized a shotgun with a suppressor, over $34,000 CAD, three vehicles, and extensive gaming equipment including ledgers and poker tables.Ongoing Investigation and Casino Bans
The investigation is ongoing with anticipated charges, and six of the arrested individuals received BC casino bans effective April 30, 2026.In November 2025, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) started an investigation into a suspected Illegal Gaming House (IGH) operating in Maple Ridge, B.C.
The investigation progressed and on April 29, 2026, JIGIT and Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) officers executed multiple search warrants in Maple Ridge, Coquitlam and Surrey with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team (LMD-ERT), the Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO), Surrey Police Service, Coquitlam RCMP, and Maple Ridge RCMP. As a result, eleven individuals were arrested and later released pending charge assessment process.
The following items were seized during the investigation:
• A shotgun with a suppressor
• Over $34,000 CAD
• 3 vehicles: 2012 Dodge Caravan, 2017 Range Rover, 2024 Honda CRV
• Gaming equipment including, ledgers, poker tables, custom casino style chips, cards and other gambling paraphernalia
The IGCO and JIGIT worked quickly to obtain BC casino bans on six of the individuals arrested which took affect on April 30, 2026.
This investigation is still ongoing and charges are anticipated.
“Illegal gaming houses are not harmless operations—they are often tied to organized crime and bring significant risks to public safety, says Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, CFSEU-BC Media Relations Officer. “These locations can become hubs for violence, exploitation, and other criminal activity, putting both patrons and surrounding communities in danger.”
To learn more about illegal gambling and specifically illegal gaming houses, visit notworththegamble.ca
Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha
Media Relations Officer
Royal Canadian Mounted Police with
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia
media@cfseu.bc.ca
Desk: 778-290-2126
Cell: 236-558-0441
