Source: US FBI
Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego Field Office–Imperial County Resident Agency, FBI Los Angeles, FBI SWAT, ATF Los Angeles–El Centro Office, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) Border Crime Suppression Team, the United States Marshals Service, and other law enforcement partners conducted court-authorized law enforcement activity related to an ongoing investigation involving the Mexican Mafia criminal enterprise.
“Removing violent criminals from our streets and seizing their resources is a top priority for the FBI and paramount to our mission of protecting the American people,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the San Diego Field Office. “Today’s successful operation is another example of what we can accomplish by working closely with our law enforcement partners on the shared goal of safer communities.”
The FBI and its law enforcement partners arrested a total of five individuals believed to be associated with the Mexican Mafia prison gang and seized several firearms, illicit proceeds, distribution amounts of methamphetamine, and electronics. All subjects were indicted for allegedly operating an illegal gambling establishment, money laundering, and/or importation of methamphetamine.
Since the start of this extensive investigation, the FBI, ATF, ICSO, and other law enforcement partner agencies have executed a number of search warrants and seized U.S. currency, drugs, firearms, electronics, and gambling machines. So far, 16 subjects associated with the Mexican Mafia have been indicted and or arrested on federal charges, including alleged drug trafficking and importation, weapons offenses, money laundering, and operating an illegal gambling business.
FBI San Diego will continue to collaborate with its law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorney’s Office to apprehend individuals tied to violent criminal organizations and bring them to justice. Learn more about the FBI’s violent crime program.