CCSO: Two charged for illegal gaming machines at gas station

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — After receiving multiple citizen complaints, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit says they began an investigation at the Tiger Mart gas station in reference to illegal gaming machines.

During the investigation, an undercover operative(s) entered the gas station on multiple occasions, and played the available games. Afterwards, CCSO says he/she was given cash payouts for their winnings.

On July 1, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit, along with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the business located in the 1400 block of Vinson Boulevard in Brunswick.

During the search, investigators reportedly seized four illegal gaming machines.

Magd Adel Mulhi Shammakh, 19, and Adel Mulhi Shammakh, 53, both of Lumberton were arrested and charged with two misdemeanor counts of Operating Video Gaming Machines.

They were transported to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center where they were booked and processed. They both received a $2,000 secured bond.