Federal agents have launcheda massive takedown of the notorious 18th Street Gang— a major player in the drugs epidemic crippling Los Angeles.
The Post joined as the FBI raided an apartment block in the east of the city early on Thursday after a years-longinvestigation into the “supergang.”
The crew has been a blight on LA for years. It is a top trafficker of methamphetamine and fentanyl, with a special focus of their operations inMacArthur Parkand Skid Row.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena McCabe said Monday’s raids targeted the leadership structure to try to crush the network of drug dealing, extorsion, murder, racketeering and gambling.
From Tuesday through Thursday agents arrested 12 people and conducted more than ten searches and raids of properties and vehicles, she said.
Those detained included top brass:
“The goal is to stop the violence and also stop the trafficking of dangerous drugs like fentanyl,” McCabe added.
Charges brought against some of the members this week included murder, drug dealing, illegal gambling, racketeering, extorsion and more, McCabe said.
During the investigation the feds seized more than 175lbs of meth and fentanyl, $80,000 in cash and six firearms.
They are still looking for six more fugitives, with one believed to have escaped to Mexico and another to Guatemala.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
