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 News from Around the Americas | October 2007 
Drug Agents Arrest 34 in L.A.
 Jerry Seper - The Washington Times
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| | Controlled by an incarcerated member of the Mexican mafia prison gang and Mexican mafia members on the street, F13 directs drug distribution in the unincorporated areas south of Los Angeles. |
Federal and state drug task force agents yesterday arrested 34 persons in south-central Los Angeles who face racketeering and narcotics charges stemming from the activities of a violent street gang known as Florencia 13.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Rusty Payne said in addition to distribution of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, the charges include the shooting of blacks in neighborhoods the gang claimed to control.
A total of 61 persons are named in two indictments, one charging violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and another that includes federal narcotics-trafficking violations. The indictments, returned by a federal grand jury Sept. 27, were unsealed yesterday.
"This case exemplifies the partnership between local, state and federal agencies in attacking the violent crimes that are impacting our community," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Landrum, who heads the agency's Los Angeles field office.
"These types of criminals represent the worst of the worst offenders who are committing robberies, trafficking in drugs and putting our citizens in danger," he said.
Mr. Payne noted that the 34 arrests included 14 defendants already in custody on state charges and four who are in federal custody. He said 11 other defendants are fugitives.
Indictments in the probe were the result of Operation Joker's Wild, Mr. Payne said, adding that it was a three-year investigation into Florencia 13, or F13, conducted by the Los Angeles High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, made up of federal, state and local agents.
Controlled by an incarcerated member of the Mexican mafia prison gang and Mexican mafia members on the street, F13 directs drug distribution in the unincorporated areas south of Los Angeles, Mr. Payne said. |
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