CRIME Raid on hall garners cash, guns, gambling machines

Several law enforcement agencies participated in the raid.
SALEM -- A raid at Salem Billiards and Recreation Hall, 525 E. State St., turned up $3,000 in cash, five guns and video-gambling machines, authorities said.
Agents from the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration along with members of the Columbiana County Drug Task Force and Salem Police Department executed a search warrant Wednesday at the billiards hall after an investigation revealed illegal gambling and drug sales at the establishment, according to Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro.
"This should serve as warning to those who seek to profit from gambling and other illicit activities in Ohio -- don't do it," Petro said. "If you do, odds are we will find you."
Arrests are pending as the investigation continues.
In February, the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office requested BCI assistance with a drug investigation involving the pool hall. The investigation revealed that OxyContin was being sold from the business, Petro said.
As undercover drug buys were made from the pool hall, the investigation also revealed the business operated six video-gambling machines, he said.