COUNTYWIDE — Authorities executed 21 search warrants Monday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal gambling operations, money laundering and organized criminal activity in La Marque and surrounding communities.

According to the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force, investigators served warrants at seven game room locations in La Marque and Alvin, as well as two additional locations in Fort Bend County connected to the investigation.

Officials said the operation targeted what investigators describe as a long-running illegal gambling enterprise operating in La Marque and nearby areas.

In addition to the game room and property searches, detectives executed 12 search warrants at various financial institutions as part of the financial portion of the investigation.

Members of the Organized Crime Task Force, along with personnel from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit, remained at several locations Monday conducting investigative activities.

Authorities said the investigation remains active and that information regarding arrests, criminal charges and evidence seized during the operation will be released at a later date.

The operation involved assistance from multiple agencies, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department, League City Police Department, Galveston County District Attorney’s Office and Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.