THE SUSPECTED illegal gambling den in Westminster (WPD photo).

Why are those people going into that closed business?

That’s what Westminster Police Department detectives patrolling the 9800 block of Bolsa Avenue at around 8:42 p.m. on Wednesday wondered.

As it turned out, the business was not closed nor vacant and police discovered an illegal gambling operation, according to police. The detectives along with patrol officers, detained 18 people and searched the interior of the location, discovering an unregistered firearm, about a half-ounce of suspected methamphetamine and evidence of drug sales.

Seven people were arrested and booked for various offenses related to active arrest warrants, narcotics possession and sales, illegal gambling and firearms violations.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has additional information is asked to contact Detective J. Black at (714) 548-3835.