Nearly 30 illegal slot machines seized in raids in San Juan and Cataño.

Given reports of significant delays at airport security lines, the operator of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina recommended on Monday that passengers arrive at the airport at least four hours early.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission seized nearly 30 illegal slot machines and more than $8,300 in cash during raids conducted at businesses in San Juan and Cataño.

“This second operation demonstrates that the oversight process remains active,” Gaming Commission Executive Director Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán said in a written statement. “Gambling machines can only operate within the established legal framework, and those who ignore the law are subject to seizures, confiscations, and the corresponding penalties.”

According to reports, 12 machines and $7,910 in cash were seized at Colmado y Cafetería Caribe in San Juan.

Meanwhile, 17 machines and $437 were seized at Mi Gente 2GO in the Las Palmas sector of Cataño.

The operation was carried out by personnel from the Gaming Commission’s Office of Investigation and Regulation in coordination with the Carolina Division of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau of Drugs, Narcotics, Vice Control and Illegal Weapons, under the supervision of Lt. Emmanuel Rosario Cintrón.

The statement said the intervention represented the second operation conducted since Regulation Number 9718, concerning the confiscation of unregistered gambling machines, went into effect.

According to the law, anyone who operates gambling machines illegally commits a misdemeanor and is subject to a penalty of up to six months in jail, fines of up to $10,000, or both, in addition to the possible revocation of permits.

Authorities noted that the revenue generated by the legal operation of gaming machines is distributed as follows: 55% to the Puerto Rico Police Retirement Trust, 40% to the municipalities, and 5% for the Gaming Commission’s operating expenses.