YAKIMA: Feds target gangs, arrest dozens in C. Washington

Federal prosecutors say more than 80 people have been arrested in a sweep targeting gangs in Central Washington.

THE NEWS TRIBUNE

Published: 11/23/09 6:16 am

0 comments

Federal prosecutors say more than 80 people have been arrested in a sweep targeting gangs in Central Washington.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that 21 were arrested in Yakima, while more than 60 were taken into custody in the Tri-Cities area.

Authorities seized drugs, firearms and cash. The eight-week operation focused on street and midlevel drug traffickers, illegal immigrants and fugitives who are suspected of being members or had affiliations with street gangs in the two areas.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Spokane said eight firearms, including two assault rifles; small amounts of marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine; three stolen vehicles; and more than $14,000 in cash were seized.

The Associated Press

Similar stories:

36 arrested in Washington as part of nationwide ICE crackdown

36 arrested in Washington as part of nationwide ICE crackdown

The nationwide roundup of criminal immigrants resulted in the arrest of 36 people in Washington state, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Seattle.
Gang numbers and violence are on the rise in Idaho prisons, even as gang crime such as drive-by shootings are way down

Gang numbers and violence are on the rise in Idaho prisons, even as gang crime such as drive-by shootings are way down

As police in the Treasure Valley and beyond work to get violent gang members off the streets, more of those gangsters are ending up in Idaho prisons.
U.S. gang membership swells to 1.4 million

U.S. gang membership swells to 1.4 million

WASHINGTON – The gang problem in the U.S. is growing and there are an estimated 1.4 million members in some 33,000 gangs, the federal government said last week.
Federal gang sweep results in 25 arrests, 4 from Tri-Cities

Federal gang sweep results in 25 arrests, 4 from Tri-Cities

Snow and freezing rain didn't stop federal and local law enforcement officers from conducting a coordinated gang sweep in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and Spokane early Thursday.

Four Tri-City men and two Walla Walla men were among 25 suspects picked up on federal drug or gun charges stemming from a months-long investigation led by the Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team.

More than eight pounds of methamphetamine, 40 guns, one grenade, 10 vehicles and about $150,000 in cash were seized during the searches, Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said in a news release.
Benton County task force makes several big arrests

Benton County task force makes several big arrests

The newly formed Benton County gang task force has made a number of notable arrests, sending a message that gangs won't be tolerated in the county, sheriff's officials said.

Last month, seven search warrants were served by gang team detectives, resulting in 17 possible felony charges against suspects, Sgt. Jon Law told Benton County commissioners Tuesday.

Detectives also have recovered 11 pounds of marijuana and 40 grams of methamphetamine. They also have had a busy week and will have logged eight search warrants in a 10-day period, he said.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here

We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.

SPORTS