More than 20 People Arrested in East LA Gang Sweep
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Digital Vision/Thinkstock(LOS ANGELES) — A street gang that authorities say terrorized a housing complex in East Los Angeles for more than half a century was the target of a major law enforcement sweep on Wednesday.
The operation was called Operation Resident Evil and targeted what federal agents said are violent gang members accused of murder, extortion, drug trafficking and robbery.
Authorities say 24 people were arrested on Wednesday and 38 people were indicted in total.
The gang that was taken down is called Big Hazard and is believed to have strong ties to the Mexican Mafia, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade.
“We’re targeting the worst offenders, the most violent offenders and they do have ties to the Mexican Mafia,” said Wade.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Stephanie Yonekura said 800 officers and agents were involved in Wednesday’s operation.
“According to the indictment the gang engaged in a wide variety of crimes, but drug trafficking was truly its main business,” added Yonekura.
Many of the suspects who were arrested have the word “Hazard” tattooed on their bodies.
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