SDPD, FBI arrest 22 in gangs crackdown

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Police Department and FBI announced the arrest of 22 suspects Thursday as part of a two-year investigation targeting members of the Mexican Mafia and related Southern California street gangs.

Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies took part in the investigation by the San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force, code named "La Mano Negra," or "The Black Hand," which penetrated the highest levels of the Mexican Mafia in San Diego County, authorities said.

More than 200 officers served arrest and search warrants at more than 27 San Diego County and Northern California locations today in connection with the investigation, according to the FBI.

In addition to the arrests during today's sweep, officers seized four pounds of marijuana, half a pound of methamphetamine, six guns, two bullet- proof vests, several hundred pounds of ammunition and more than $22,000 in cash, according to authorities.

Charges against the suspects included distribution of methamphetamine, criminal threats, assault with a firearm, kidnapping for extortion and conspiracy to commit robbery, the FBI said.