Forty-nine alleged gang members and associates were arrested in a massive sting Thursday.
A massive law enforcement crackdown Thursday led to the arrest of 50 alleged members and associates of the West Coast Crips street gang, accused of crimes ranging from execution-style murders to enlisting high school students as drug traffickers, according to U.S. Attorney Laura E. Duffy.
Operation True Blue involved more than 500 federal and local law enforcement officers as they hit dozens of locations across San Diego County, looking for suspects, guns and drugs.
Thirty-one federal suspects and 19 state suspects were arrested, and officers seized more than 16 guns, many rounds of ammunition, 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 4,400 pounds of marijuana and $300,000 in counterfeit bills.
“Today, we cut off the arm of the West Coast Crips,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.
In all, 55 people – five of whom are still considered armed and dangerous fugitives – have been charged in federal and state court for their part in drug and gun trafficking conspiracies. Defendants range in age from 18 to 51 years old and live in San Diego, Spring Valley, El Cajon, National City, Lemon Grove and Long Beach.
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