Federal and state officials Tuesday announced charges against suspected members and associates of an "extremely violent" street gang in the Los Angeles Harbor area who allegedly trafficked large quantities of narcotics and funneled profits to imprisoned gang leaders.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
The takedown resulted in the arrests Tuesday of 13 of the 19 people charged in the case, including eight of 14 individuals charged in a federal criminal complaint, as well as five defendants who are facing state charges by the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
In addition, nine federal search warrants and eight state search warrants were executed at various locations in the San Pedro area, according to a joint release from the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
In a statement, Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles bureau, said the multi-year investigation targeted "the upper echelon of this extremely violent gang," causing a "significant setback" to the gang's activities, and leading to "safer streets for San Pedro residents."
The case filed in L.A. federal court charges 13 defendants for their roles in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances. The complaint also charges a 14th defendant for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
Members of the conspiracy allegedly trafficked in methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and phencyclidine. Other members or associates committed or planned acts of violence to preserve and expand the gang's criminal operations, as well as to enhance their own status, according to prosecutors.
Court papers allege orders from two incarcerated gang leaders directed extortion, drug distribution, firearms transfers and decisions about who held what positions within the gang.
"These arrests prove the power of partnerships," L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.
"When law enforcement agencies collaborate, we are able to take violent offenders and illegal weapons off our streets. ... Working with our federal and local partners, we have sent an unequivocally clear warning to violent street gangs -- the chance of getting caught and the dire prison consequences for your actions have gone way up. Continue at your own peril."
Officials describe the multi-generational gang as having a current estimated membership of nearly 500 individuals divided into six cliques, including two female sets. The gang, which originated in the 1970s and claims the city of San Pedro as its territory, operates under the control of two Mexican Mafia members who are incarcerated in California state prisons.
The gang is said to make payments known as "taxes" to the leadership in return for their protection. Members who violate the gang's rules are subject to "discipline" in the form of assault, according to law enforcement.
Serious violations, including cooperation with law enforcement, may result in death, according to the complaint..
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok