http://www.montereyherald.com/news/ci_14937131
SALINAS, Calif-*UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: More than 200 agents from his Gang Suppression Enforcement Program and other law enforcement agencies today arrested 37 members of two gangs in Salinas, according to the State Attorney General's office.
Today's mass arrests culminated an eight-month operation, code-named "Operation Knockout," aimed at apprehending members of the Norteños and Sureños, rival gangs in California .
The operation targeted gang Leaders of both Nortenos and Surenos in the Salinas area.*There was also a large cocaine and meth operation run by Nortenos for Mexican drug organizations that was busted. In addition to the arrests made today, agents seized 40 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of marijuana, nine ounces of methamphetamine, $34,000 in cash, and 12 guns. An additional 57 arrests were made before today's sweep according to the Attorney General's office.
"Operation Knockout was designed to restore safety to the streets of Salinas," said Attorney General Jerry Brown. "Citizens in John Steinbeck's hometown deserve better than having to endure a violent crime rate that's three times the national average. We owed it to the people of Salinas to arrest these out-of-control gang members and ensure a heightened sense of personal security throughout the city."
Some 44 state and federal search warrants were served throughout Salinas, San Jose and other areas of Monterey County.
Brown also announced today that he has formed a task force to maintain today's crackdown against drugs and major crimes. The Monterey County Narcotic and Violence Task Force will be overseen by the California Department of Justice and will include the California Highway Patrol, Marina Police Department, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Monterey Police Department, Salinas Police Department and Seaside Police Department.
Brown, Governor Arnold Schwarznegger and other law enforcement officials are holding a press conference this afternoon.*
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SALINAS, Calif-*UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: More than 200 agents from his Gang Suppression Enforcement Program and other law enforcement agencies today arrested 37 members of two gangs in Salinas, according to the State Attorney General's office.
Today's mass arrests culminated an eight-month operation, code-named "Operation Knockout," aimed at apprehending members of the Norteños and Sureños, rival gangs in California .
The operation targeted gang Leaders of both Nortenos and Surenos in the Salinas area.*There was also a large cocaine and meth operation run by Nortenos for Mexican drug organizations that was busted. In addition to the arrests made today, agents seized 40 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of marijuana, nine ounces of methamphetamine, $34,000 in cash, and 12 guns. An additional 57 arrests were made before today's sweep according to the Attorney General's office.
"Operation Knockout was designed to restore safety to the streets of Salinas," said Attorney General Jerry Brown. "Citizens in John Steinbeck's hometown deserve better than having to endure a violent crime rate that's three times the national average. We owed it to the people of Salinas to arrest these out-of-control gang members and ensure a heightened sense of personal security throughout the city."
Some 44 state and federal search warrants were served throughout Salinas, San Jose and other areas of Monterey County.
Brown also announced today that he has formed a task force to maintain today's crackdown against drugs and major crimes. The Monterey County Narcotic and Violence Task Force will be overseen by the California Department of Justice and will include the California Highway Patrol, Marina Police Department, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Monterey Police Department, Salinas Police Department and Seaside Police Department.
Brown, Governor Arnold Schwarznegger and other law enforcement officials are holding a press conference this afternoon.*
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