Police last night revealed that 180 gaming machines had been confiscated in raids on gambling haunts on Thursday in a crackdown over illegal spare parts.

The joint task force of both Customs and Police officers visited six premises at noon and seized machines from five establishments for further inspection.

The sting operation was organised to identify offences under the Prohibition of Gaming Act 2001 and the Revenue Act.

Premises targeted included Lucky Strike, The Plush, Seamont, Swinging Doors, a residence in Elliott Street and a property in Bakery Lane.

Acting Collector of Customs Larry Conn said his department had noticed during the last year a number of consignments of spare parts being brought into the Island, which had been declared for use in video machines.

And The Royal Gazette understands that the mushrooming of gambling joints on the Island also prompted both Police and Customs to suspect that the parts were, in fact, being used to repair and upgrade gaming units.

Since the Gaming Act was introduced, premises with gaming machines are still permitted to continue with their use, however, it is now against the law to repair or improve them.

The general idea behind the legislation was that, in due course, gaming machines in Bermuda would gradually die out as machines broke down and became defunct.

It is believed technical officers will be utilised to help identify whether any of the seized machines contain new spare parts.

On Thursday, Assistant Police Commissioner Carlton Adams said: "Initial indications are that there have been offences committed and there is evidence to that effect.

"At the moment, we are trying to gather evidence and the question of charges will depend on evidence, as it's discovered."

Investigations continue.