HIGHLAND – The owner of two illegal gambling establishments were unlucky when their Highland businesses became the subject of a search warrant on Thursday.
At around 1:05 p.m. deputies from the Highland Station served a search warrant at the IE Smoke and Vape, located at 26498 Baseline Road Suite D and G in the City of Highland. The search warrant was obtained after authorities received a tip that illegal gambling activity was going on at that and another business located in the same strip mall. During the search 15 illegal gambling machines were located, three loaded firearms, and a large amount of cash was found hidden.
Also investigated was suite G, which was found to be operating a business without any type of business permit. That business also was found to be an illegal gambling establishment. The business was shut down. Houman Moghaddam, 32, of Highland the owner of IE Smoke and Vape and John Navarrette, 25, of Cherry Valley the owner of the business in Suite G were arrested for facilitating illegal gambling.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Highland Police/Sheriff at (909) 425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
