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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/seattle071808.html

Joint Operation Nets 24 Spokane-Area Gang Members

JUL 18— (Seattle, WA) – DEA Special Agent in Charge Arnold R. Moorin and United States Attorney for Eastern District of Washington James A. McDevitt, announced on July 17, 2008, the results of a massive joint law enforcement operation targeting gang activity in the Spokane, Washington region. 24 members and associates of the Crips and Gangster Disciple gangs were charged with over 40 federal crimes to include: Distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and felons in possession of firearms. One gang associate was charged with two counts of coercing juvenile females to engage in prostitution which was fueled by Internet advertisements

Special Agent Arnold R. Moorin noted, “ Drugs and guns are a lethal combination that breeds violence and other horrific crimes as in this case. The DEA has been a part of this community for over 35 years and will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts to aggressively seek out those responsible for drug trafficking and violent crimes.”

Early this morning more than 175 federal, state and local authorities executed over 20 federal search warrants and arrested 20 suspects in Spokane, and 4 others in Tacoma and Seattle. State charges were filed on 11 others. Today’s operation caps an 18 month long investigation by the Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team.

The agencies involved in today’s operation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, United States Marshal’s Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Protective Service, Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Department of Corrections, Spokane Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Spokane Regional Drug Task Force, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Tri-Cities Violent Gang Task Force, and the North Idaho Regional Violent Crime Task Force.