In early 2026, the Saanich Police Department began an investigation into the operation of an illegal gaming house. The investigation is being led by the department’s Street Crime Unit, in partnership with the Drug and Organized Crime section of the RCMP’s Federal Policing Pacific Region.
The suspected location of the illegal gaming house was within the Victoria Police Department’s jurisdiction. VicPD was consulted early in the investigation, and it was agreed that SPD’s Street Crime Unit would lead the file.
On April 23, 2026, at 10:30 p.m., a search warrant was executed at a business in the 400-block of Burnside Road East. Several individuals were arrested, and approximately $12,000 in currency, along with gambling equipment and related paraphernalia, was seized.
The operation was supported by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC’s Joint Illegal Gaming Enforcement Team, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, Victoria Police Remote Piloted Aerial Support Unit, SPD Patrol officers, the Special Investigation Section and Forensic Identification Services.
The investigation remains ongoing. At this time, charges have not been recommended to Crown counsel; however, investigators anticipate recommending charges related to the operation of an illegal gaming house at a later date.
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“This investigation reflects the strength of collaboration between local, regional and federal policing partners,” said Drew Robertson, officer in charge of the Saanich Police Department’s Detective Division. “Bringing together specialized resources and expertise across agencies was critical in executing this search warrant. We are particularly grateful to CFSEU-BC’s Joint Illegal Gaming Enforcement Team for their specialized knowledge of illegal gaming investigations and their support in advancing this complex, cross-jurisdictional investigation.”
“Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC’s (CFSEU-BC) Joint Illegal Gaming Enforcement Team (JIGIT) brings specialized expertise and a province-wide intelligence lens to complex investigations like this one,” said S/Sgt. Alvin Ng. “By working alongside Saanich Police and our Federal Policing Pacific Region partners, we are able to disrupt organized illegal gaming operations that often intersect with broader criminal activity. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to protecting communities by targeting illicit networks and holding those responsible accountable.”