A Norwalk, Conn. liquor store was shuttered Friday after authorities found seven illicit gambling machines, two fake guns, and $4,932  in cash at the business.

An unspecified quantity of cocaine also was found in bags stored in a walk-in beer cooler at Cocchia’s Liquor Store on Ely Avenue, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). In addition, officials discovered gambling receipts in the business.

The gambling machines pay out cash collected at the front counter by providing a receipt ticket from the gambling device, and are illegal,” according to a statement from the Norwalk Police Department.

DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli suspended the store’s alcohol sales license and lottery ticket sales license.

Norwalk police raided the business on Wednesday after getting a search warrant.

It is clear this establishment is a danger to public health and safety,” Cafferelli said in a statement. “In addition to this action today, our team will be investigating all other establishments associated with the ownership of Cocchia’s to ensure there is no further risk to the community.”

The investigation began after Norwalk police got a tip from an informant that a person identified as “Felix” was selling cocaine out of the liquor store, according to police.

Undercover officers were able to purchase illegal drugs at the business. Police identified the suspect as Felix Galindo-Castillo, 48, of Norwalk, also known as “Cocchie,” authorities said.

Mexican Gang Founder

It turns out he’s the founder of “Los Vagos,” a gang based in Mexico, police said. The gang is linked to violent street activities, police revealed.

Galindo-Castillo was arrested for sale of narcotics, conspiracy to commit the sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics, and conspiracy to commit possession of narcotics.

He had suspected cocaine in his possession when he was apprehended.

He also has a pending federal arrest warrant for illegal re-entry into the US, authorities said. As a result of the warrant, he was charged with being a fugitive from justice. Bail was set at $1M.

An employee, Jose Gerardo Fuentes-Lima, 44, of Norwalk, was also found to be in possession of cocaine, according to police. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, illegal gambling, sale of a narcotic substance, and conspiracy to commit the sale of a narcotic substance. His bail was set at $55K.

Prior Search

In September 2022, Norwalk police officers and state liquor control agents confiscated gambling machines, gambling receipts, an unspecified amount of cash, and suspected cocaine during a prior raid of the same business. The outcome of that case is unknown.

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