SFPD Seizes Illegal Gambling Machines, Suspected Narcotics, Firearm at Tenderloin Liquor Store 25-081

San Francisco Police officers from Tenderloin Station and the Drug Market Coordination Center (DMACC) on Tuesday executed a search warrant at a liquor store on the 200 block of Taylor Street and seized items including illegal gambling machines, a firearm, suspected narcotics, and other contraband.

The search came after a month-long investigation into the business that was suspected of operating as an illegal gambling facility and selling tobacco products without a permit. The investigation is part of the SFPD’s strategy to identify and conduct enforcement on businesses that contribute to drug-related crimes in the neighborhood.

During Tuesday’s search, investigators cited a business employee and a patron who was gambling illegally. Officers seized multiple illegal gambling machines, a firearm and magazine, other illegal weapons, over $17,000 in U.S. currency, as well as suspected narcotics, including drug paraphernalia and suspected mushrooms.

Officers developed probable cause to arrest 21-year-old Alaa Wadhah Abdo Alghaithi of Daly City. Alghaithi was booked at San Francisco County Jail on charges of possession for sale of a controlled substance (11378 H&S), possession of brass knuckles (21810 PC), possession of a shuriken (22410 PC), person engaged in gaming or bookmaking (337(a) PC), carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony (25800(a) PC), participating in illegal gambling (330 PC), possession of cannabis for sale (11359(b) H&S), possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver or transfer (11364.7 H&S), operating or maintaining a drug house (11366 H&S) and selling tobacco products without a license (22972 B&P)

The SFPD's Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC) dedicates officers 24/7 to disrupt the drug markets in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods.  

Although an arrest has been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information should contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or Text-A-Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

SFPD Case# 250-337-596