There is established a unit in the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to be known as the legalized gambling investigative unit. The unit, in conjunction with the special policemen in the Department of Consumer Protection, shall be responsible for (1) the criminal enforcement of the provisions of sections 7-169 to 7-186, inclusive, and chapters 226, 226b and 229a, and (2) the investigation, detection of and assistance in the prosecution of any criminal matter or alleged violation of criminal law with respect to legalized gambling, provided the legalized gambling investigative unit shall be the primary criminal enforcement agency. Nothing in this section shall limit the powers granted to persons appointed to act as special policemen in accordance with the provisions of § 29-18c.