The operators of a West Park meat market and Miramar packaging and shipping store were arrested yesterday on charges that they ran backroom gambling operations that could take in more than $25,000 in a single day.
The investigation, rather straightforwardly named "Operation Hidden Bet," pointed to 43-year-old Ramon Contreras Rodriguez and 41-year-old Carlos Augusto Pena, both Miramar residents.
The businesses in question are Santiago's Meat Market, at 5730 Hallandale Beach Blvd. in West Park, and the La Guajaca Multiservice Center, at 2713 SW 64th Ave. in Miramar.
Arrest documents weren't available late Monday, but BSO spokeswoman Dani Moschella said the business of the bookie operations was mostly oriented with basketball and football. We're working on getting the paperwork; stay tuned. In the meantime, here are photos of the two suspects being arrested by extraordinarily intimidating folks with masks.