Sixteen suspected gang members and associates were taken into custody Thursday after a concluded FBI investigation involving drug sales, authorities announced Friday.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Brunner said the gang members were based in National City, Chula Vista and south San Diego.
The San Diego FBI Violent Crimes Task Force/Gang Group filed multiple federal complaints against several defendants on narcotics and firearms charges as part of the gang takedown, the FBI said.
Court filings allege the defendants are linked to gangs and trafficked methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs in their territory. One defendant also is charged with a federal firearms violation.
On Thursday, gang task force officers and agents arrested those defendants charged in the complaints and not already in custody on separate charges. Four defendants remain outstanding, and officers continue trying to find the fugitives.
Defendants taken into custody Thursday made their initial court appearances Friday in downtown federal court, the FBI said.
This Violent Crimes Task Force/Gang Group comprises the FBI, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, National City Police Department, San Diego Police Department, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, San Diego County Probation Department, state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Special Services Unit, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office – Gang Prosecution Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Chula Vista Police Department provided support during the investigation.
