Gambling raids in South Philadelphia

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - September 16, 2009 (WPVI) -- State and federal investigators have conducted gambling raids in more than a dozen businesses and one residence, mostly in South Philadelphia.

They say the hangouts have ties to the mob.

On Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement agents were moving vending machines from the Ace Vending Machine Warehouse in the 800 block of Mountain Street in South Philadelphia. It's one of several locations raided by the Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit, the FBI and the Pa. Attorney General's Organized Crime Section.

Also hit were Quattro Bar and Grill, Colanzi's Cafe and Broadway Theatrical Club, all at 13th and Moyamensing. The Broadway Theatrical Club is a reputed organized crime hangout.

The raids were likely part of a wide and ongoing investigation into mob related illegal gambling. They are being carried out by the same units that broke up an alleged mob gambling and loan sharking operation two years ago in Delaware county. That raid, dubbed "Delco Nostra," resulted in the arrest of several reputed mobsters.

Wednesday's raids have not resulted in any arrests, and authorities are being tight-lipped about the operation, only saying it's an ongoing investigation.

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local/state, cathy gandolfo

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