Gang members arrested, guns seized in raids
More than 30 people with ties to two criminal street gangs were arrested Thursday and dozens of guns were seized, along with illegal drugs and other contraband, in a series of raids carried out in Corona and surrounding locations as part of a local and state operation to crack down on
firearms trafficking.
“Today’s joint operation and this entire investigation has been a great success due to the dedication and bravery of all the law enforcement agencies and personnel involved,” Corona police Chief Mike Abel said.
“The large amounts of narcotics, currency — and most importantly — the large cache of weapons seized, will no doubt disrupt the criminal gangs’ enterprise, thus making our communities that much safer,” he said.
Members of the Corona Varrio Locos and the Mexican Mafia were targeted in the sweep, which involved more than 300 law enforcement personnel from the Corona Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and California’s Justice and Corrections & Rehabilitation departments.
According to investigators, 50 firearms, including semiautomatic rifles, were seized, as well as 314 rounds of ammunition, a stolen car, seven pounds of methamphetamine, 10 grams of cocaine, a pound of marijuana and $48,700 cash.
Thirty-two people were arrested, but authorities noted that the investigation previously netted 20 arrests and the seizure of 17 illegal guns, 20 pounds of meth, 10 pounds of cocaine and $47,000 in currency.
Some of the firearms were used in crimes throughout Riverside County, according to the Department of Justice.
The individuals taken into custody are facing a slew of felony charges, including firearm assault, extortion, drug trafficking and conspiracy. Officials said that, thanks to Thursday’s busts and the previous raids, a total $1.6 million in illegal drugs were taken off the street.
“Special Agents from the CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety spent months tracking intelligence on the suspects,” said Derrick Marion, the office’s chief. “As a result of our agents’ work, and of the team effort of our law enforcement partners, a strong blow has been dealt to the Mexican Mafia that’s constantly working to extend their criminal enterprise in this region,”
The Mexican Mafia controls the drug trade and conducts other illicit activity in state correctional facilities and elsewhere, according to public safety officials.
According to Corona police, Varrio Locos members are active in Corona and other Inland Empire communities. The gang is an offshoot of Surenos, a Southern California gang beholden to the Mexican Mafia.
