Miami

Multiple Arrests Made After Miami-Dade Restaurants Raided for Illegal Activity

Police spent Thursday night raiding two restaurants in southwest Miami-Dade where authorities say drug dealing, prostitution and illegal gambling were on the menu.

The restaurants - Kareta Kafe and El Cortadito, both on Bird Road - were raided by Miami-Dade Police after they received a Crime Stoppers tip, officials said.

"Narcotics sales, mostly cocaine in both establishments, gambling payoffs from the machines and alcohol violations," said Miami-Dade Police Lt. Joe Gonzalez. "You had several ladies that would come to your side and ask you to buy them a beer. That beer was ten dollars. And then after that it would lead to conversations of propositions for sex."

Carolina Hernandez, 39, 47-year-old Ileana Medina and 31-year-old Yusimi Ponce-Garcia were arrested and charged with possession and distribution of cocaine, while 35-year-old Yanelis Lamont was arrested on three counts relating to gambling activities inside.

The arrests come after an undercover investigation dating back to September, in which a detective purchased multiple bags of cocaine from employees.

NBC 6 cameras were rolling as officers were seen escorting several handcuffed suspects out of Kareta Kafe. Police say the restaurants are owned by the same person, who was not present at the time of the arrests.

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