Three Colonial Heights smoke shops raided after illegal gambling tip

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WRIC) -- Three smoke shops in Colonial Heights were raided by police on Friday after detectives received a tip about possible illegal gambling activities.

On Tuesday, June 10, detectives with the Colonial Heights Police Department learned about possible illegal gambling at three smoke shops in the city: Xzotic Smoke Shop 24/7 Convenience Store at 26 Pickwick Avenue, Smoke Friendly at 38 Pickwick Avenue and Smoke Friendly 2 at 180 Southgate Square.

Through their investigation, the detectives reportedly confirmed that these three businesses were conducting illegal gambling activities.

At about 9:05 a.m. on Friday, July 25, units with Colonial Heights Police -- as well as Virginia State Police and Homeland Security Investigations -- executed multiple search warrants across each of the three businesses.

"During the execution of the search warrants, in addition to illegal gambling activities, two locations were found to be in possession of various illegal narcotics," police said. "Based on evidence recovered during today's operation, Colonial Heights detectives will continue to investigate and determine appropriate charges."

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No further details, such as more specifics on this illegal activity, were provided by police. Authorities also did not specify which two of the three businesses were reportedly found to have illegal narcotics.

If you have any information on these incidents, you are asked to contact Det. Miller with the Colonial Heights Police Department either by phone at 804-520-9326 or by email at millerj@colonialheightsva.gov.