A large-scale raid shut down an underground nightclub in north Houston, according to city police. The operation took place around 2:30 a.m. this Saturday at the establishment known as Underground Storage, located at 101 E Little York.

The action was led by the special force against illegal nightclubs, which for months has kept several suspected points of illegal activity in the city under surveillance.

Drugs, alcohol and arrests

During the inspection, officers confiscated cocaine and several boxes of liquor that did not have permits or had not paid the corresponding taxes, said the Houston Police Department (HPD).

Authorities confirmed the arrest of two people for selling alcoholic beverages outside of permitted hours and three management employees for authorize those sales.

At the same time, DWI (driving under the influence) enforcement units intervened with several patrons as they were leaving the premises, arresting some for alleged drunk driving. Investigations into these cases are ongoing.

Unsafe premises without permits

Although no weapons were found, the security inspection revealed that the building was operating without a certificate of occupancy, lacked an emergency exit, and had serious faults in its electrical system. As a result, the venue was declared unsafe for the public and immediately shut down.

The goal is to protect the community by shutting down venues that operate illegally and pose a risk to public safety, said HPD Deputy Director Larry Skelton, who led the operation, in statements cited by Telemundo.

Several local agencies participated in the deployment, which reaffirmed their commitment to continue carrying out operations to detect and shut down clubs that violate state and municipal regulations.

Authorities reiterated that the fight against these types of establishments is part of a broader effort to reduce crimes associated with alcohol consumption, drug trafficking, and security risks at unregulated mass events.