Stockton Police arrested dozens people Tuesday during a massive gang sweep stemming from a months-long investigation into the city's "most violent criminal gangs."
During the sweep, officers arrested 47 people and apprehended 35 guns, 35 pounds of marijuana, 2 pounds of cocaine, 2 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly $44,000.
"Many of the individuals investigated and apprehended have already been prosecuted for gang-related crimes," said San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber-Salazar. "Many of these offenders have trafficked and compelled others into prostitution, engaged in shootings and violent acts, and sold large quantities of narcotics and weapons."
The operation was part of several agencies' efforts to crack down on the city's gangs that have been responsible for violent criminal activities, police officials said.
“Families in Stockton can breathe a little easier tonight knowing that gang members, drugs, and deadly weapons are off the streets,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The MOB and Flyboys have used violence to incite fear and intimidation in the south Stockton community for far too long. I want to thank all of the brave men and women who wear the badge for taking this important step in improving safety in south Stockton.”
According to Stockton police, the people arrested were part of MOB, Flyboys, East Coast Crips, Conway Gangsters, Sierra Vista Project and Glock Team gangs.
“I want to reinforce that those groups, who continue to commit acts of gun violence in our community, will be identified and will be the primary focus of the law enforcement community, as was the case with these gangs,” Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said in a statement.
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