TOKYO (TR) – Investigative sources with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police revealed this week that they suspect organized crime supported an illegal casino in the Shimbashi area that was busted earlier this year, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (May 24).
On February 3, police raided Internet casino Red Carpet and arrested three employees for the provision of illegal gambling.
During the search, police seized six grams of kakuseizai, or stimulant drugs, 0.6 grams of marijuana, pistol parts and 40 rounds of ammunition from a safe used by customers. Used syringes were found discarded in a private room.
On February 23, police arrested Masaya Numata, the 56-year-old manager of Red Carpet, at a manga kissa coffee shop in Saitama Prefecture for violating stimulants and firearms control laws. The suspect admits to the charges.
According to police, the parts of the pistol, including a barrel and magazine, found in the safe can be put together to make a single weapon. Given the large amount of bullets seized and other items of contraband seized, police believe the operation was supported by a criminal syndicate.
Police are now investigating how the drugs and bullets were obtained by the suspect.
