One American and three Taiwanese were detained for further investigation, police said on Thursday.

According to initial information, police officers of District 2 launched an inspection on October 16 of an apartment at the Palm Residence residential area, located in Quarter 3, An Phu Ward.

A group of 12 people were caught red-handed playing poker for money in the flat. They were sent to the police station for investigation.

Law enforcement officers also seized VND60 million (US$2,588), many cellphones, dices, chips, and related exhibits.

Among the detainees were one American and three Taiwanese. Two of them tested positive for narcotics.

According to their testimony, the owner of the poker house made a phone call to invite players to the game, lasting from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am, every day. Each gambler had to buy chips worth at least VND5 million ($216).

Ending a game, those who won chips valued at VND500,000 ($21.6) or more had to pay the game organizer five percent of their winnings.

The owner of the poker house earned VND20-30 million ($862-1,293) each day for organizing the game.

@ Tuoi Tre News