An indictment exposes an alleged criminal drug enterprise with roots in Michoacan, Mexico and possible links all the way to Fresno and Visalia.
Federal, state and local agencies arrested 13 suspected gang members across the state. They uncovered a possible link between the Valley and two of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world. The Mexican Mafia and a Mexico-based drug cartel known as La Familia.
The Mexican Mafia was reportedly funneling drug profits to jailed members of the drug cartel. Part of that investigation landed Tuesday morning in a Central Fresno neighborhood.
"This type of investigation, especially with the agreements between these two powerful organizations, it definitely has a great impact on the community," said Brice McCracken with the ATF in Fresno.
Federal agents raided 55-year-old Michael Moreno's home in Fresno. He was arrested on an indictment for federal narcotics and drug trafficking conspiracy.
Agents also arrested a 56-year-old man named Jimmy Ruben Soto in Visalia.
Los Angeles authorities also announced that dozens have been arrested throughout the investigation. Some suspects were taken into custody Tuesday, others had already been nabbed by investigators.
And would have provided a ruthless Mexican Cartel with an unprecedented distribution network as well as protection for their drug sales and operatives here in the United States," said the US Attorney for Central California, Andre Birotte.
Since the investigation started in 2010, more than 600 pounds of methamphetamines have been seized.
The two local alleged Mexican Mafia members were transported to Los Angeles this morning.
If found guilty of conspiracy, both Moreno and Soto could face a minimum of 10 years in prison.
Federal, state and local agencies arrested 13 suspected gang members across the state. They uncovered a possible link between the Valley and two of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world. The Mexican Mafia and a Mexico-based drug cartel known as La Familia.
The Mexican Mafia was reportedly funneling drug profits to jailed members of the drug cartel. Part of that investigation landed Tuesday morning in a Central Fresno neighborhood.
"This type of investigation, especially with the agreements between these two powerful organizations, it definitely has a great impact on the community," said Brice McCracken with the ATF in Fresno.
Federal agents raided 55-year-old Michael Moreno's home in Fresno. He was arrested on an indictment for federal narcotics and drug trafficking conspiracy.
Agents also arrested a 56-year-old man named Jimmy Ruben Soto in Visalia.
Los Angeles authorities also announced that dozens have been arrested throughout the investigation. Some suspects were taken into custody Tuesday, others had already been nabbed by investigators.
And would have provided a ruthless Mexican Cartel with an unprecedented distribution network as well as protection for their drug sales and operatives here in the United States," said the US Attorney for Central California, Andre Birotte.
Since the investigation started in 2010, more than 600 pounds of methamphetamines have been seized.
The two local alleged Mexican Mafia members were transported to Los Angeles this morning.
If found guilty of conspiracy, both Moreno and Soto could face a minimum of 10 years in prison.