Gang sweep yields 30 arrests
A sweep by city police and federal agents Tuesday resulted in at least 30 arrests in an operation targeting illegal weapons possession and drug dealing by South L.A. gang members.
LAPD officers and agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed 17 warrants against reputed Rollin’ 30s Harlem Crips gang members, confiscating 26 firearms, more than 800 rounds of ammunition, drugs and $27,500 in suspected proceeds from drug deals.
Authorities allege that the gang members were involved in residential burglaries to steal money, drugs and guns.
They also are accused of trafficking in OxyContin up and down the West Coast and distributing crack cocaine throughout the L.A. area.
John Torres, special agent in charge of the ATF’s L.A. field office, said Tuesday the operation was part of the ongoing effort by local law enforcement to crack down on the weapons trade that fuels gang crime.
“The ultimate goal is to reduce violent crime around the city of Los Angeles,” Torres said. “The guns are the lifeblood, the tools of the trade of these individuals, and we are trying to take the tools away from these individuals.”
-- Andrew Blankstein
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