BOSTON — In a news conference Thursday afternoon, U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said the raids were a result of a 14-month investigation. In 2014, a federal investigation identified a network of street gangs that had created alliances to traffick weapons and drugs throughout the state and generated violence against rival gang members.
In Thursday's raids, more than 70 firearms were recovered and a total of 66 people were charged with conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearm possession. In addition, some individuals were taken into custody on immigration violations.
Twenty-six federal search warrants were executed in Boston, Brockton, Chelsea and surrounding towns. More than 400 federal, state and local law enforcement officers carried out the arrests.
According to U.S. Attorney Ortiz, the raids broke up four major gang alliances: The 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang, Orient Heights Gang, and Boylston Street Gang.
Court documents said 18th Street Gang operates throughout the U.S. and in Central America and their Boston members have significant access to firearms in Boston and Chelsea.
An ATF official warned remaining gang members to "think twice before you try to fill the void left by those gang members arrested today...our work is not complete."
Of those arrested, 53 have been charged in federal court and 13 charged in state court. The charge of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) carries a sentence of up to 20 years. Other charges the defenses are facing include drug trafficking conspiracy and distribution, conspiracy to engaged in the business of dealing firearms with a license and being a felon or undocumented in possession of a firearm.