Salisbury Police officers seized computer equipment and money from three sweepstakes cafes that were immediately shut down this morning. The seizure comes nearly three months after Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins issued a letter to the businesses informing them they were operating illegally and would face being forced to close.

Officers served search warrants on the following businesses — South Main Internet at 917 S. Main St., Hot Spot III at 1945 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., and Eastway Holding LLC (Circle S Depot) at 1812 E. Innes St. — saying the state general statute prohibits the use of electronic devices for the use of sweepstakes.

The letter Collins sent said police would enforce the state law after Jan. 1. An undercover officer was sent in to verify whether the businesses were still operating after Jan. 1 and discovered they were, a police statement said.

Police officials said after the letter was sent, about 75 percent of the businesses closed.

Police seized 200 computer towers from the three businesses and a sum of money.

There will be pending charges on the owners of the establishments, the statement said.

See more in Thursday’s Post.