Cops find 50 people at illegal bar, gambling operation in Newark – NJ.com

Newark cops busted an illegal alcohol and gambling operation where 50 people had gathered Saturday night.

The departments Environmental, Graffiti and Vice Crimes Task Force responded to the Portuguese Soccer Club on Wilson Avenue around 10 p.m. for complaints of illegal activities, police said.

Detectives saw a man unlocking a gate for patrons to enter and exit the property. Inside, they found the large crowd drinking alcohol, playing cards and using gambling machines.

One of the men arrested presided over a fully stocked bar with various beers and liquors, according to police, and the manager of the operation could provide no paperwork permitting alcohol sales.

Cops seized $6,829 in proceeds from the illegal activities taking place and 403 bottles of beer, wine and liquor.

Officers arrested Newark residents Jos DaSilva, 53, who managed the illegal establishment, Victor Pereira, 61, who was tending bar, and Byron Barraza, 31, who was manning the gate.

DaSilva and Pereira were each charged with maintaining an unlawful liquor establishment, possession of alcohol, illegal sale of alcohol and possession of gambling devices. Barraza was charged with aiding and abetting.

Newark police have busted several similar operations recently.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.

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Cops find 50 people at illegal bar, gambling operation in Newark - NJ.com