SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Authorities in Puerto Rico reportedly launched a sweeping arrest operation in late October, targeting the likes of criminal organizations in the U.S. territory allegedly involved in the drug and illegal weapons trade.
On October 31st, Puerto Rico Police reportedly honed in on twelve different gangs operating within the territory, resulting in at least 380 arrests, according to Police Commissioner Antonio López. Authorities within the territory had received numerous tips that led up to the sweep, with locals complaining about gang violence and the ilk impacting their communities.
An unspecified amount of narcotics was obtained during the sweep, as well as over 50 vehicles, 78 firearms, and approximately $100K in suspected ill gotten gains. The FBI reportedly assisted in the investigation leading up to the arrests, with Puerto Rico Police Col. Carlos Cruz telling reporters that some of the criminal organizations had been linked to murders in the territory, as well.
The timing of the late-October sweep follows a pattern of authorities cracking down on gang activity in Puerto Rico, as mere weeks earlier dozens of alleged gang members from the territory were hit with a federal indictment accusing the defendants of being involved in drugs and weapons trafficking.
A press release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from this past September detailed the indictment of 42 suspected gang members out of Puerto Rico, with District of Puerto Rico U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow handling the case in question.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez Ramos shared insight into the lead up of the September 20th indictment, detailing a coordinated law enforcement sweep seemingly similar to the most recent one from October 31st.
“For the last year, the residents in the Manati area have been victims of violent crimes, going to bed and waking up to the sound of gunshots. Tonight they will be able to rest.
This organization is extremely violent. Therefore, this takedown included the activation of a total of 12 tactical teams and over 200 law enforcement officers from HSI San Juan and the U.S. mainland along with federal, state and local partners.
"This is a clear example of a multiagency collaboration; we were able to dismantle the new generation of a very violent drug trafficking organization that has been stealing the peace of these communities. Not anymore. HSI remains focused, determined and steadfast to assure Puerto Rico’s public safety.”
On October 31st, Puerto Rico Police reportedly honed in on twelve different gangs operating within the territory, resulting in at least 380 arrests, according to Police Commissioner Antonio López. Authorities within the territory had received numerous tips that led up to the sweep, with locals complaining about gang violence and the ilk impacting their communities.
An unspecified amount of narcotics was obtained during the sweep, as well as over 50 vehicles, 78 firearms, and approximately $100K in suspected ill gotten gains. The FBI reportedly assisted in the investigation leading up to the arrests, with Puerto Rico Police Col. Carlos Cruz telling reporters that some of the criminal organizations had been linked to murders in the territory, as well.
The timing of the late-October sweep follows a pattern of authorities cracking down on gang activity in Puerto Rico, as mere weeks earlier dozens of alleged gang members from the territory were hit with a federal indictment accusing the defendants of being involved in drugs and weapons trafficking.
A press release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from this past September detailed the indictment of 42 suspected gang members out of Puerto Rico, with District of Puerto Rico U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow handling the case in question.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez Ramos shared insight into the lead up of the September 20th indictment, detailing a coordinated law enforcement sweep seemingly similar to the most recent one from October 31st.
“For the last year, the residents in the Manati area have been victims of violent crimes, going to bed and waking up to the sound of gunshots. Tonight they will be able to rest.
This organization is extremely violent. Therefore, this takedown included the activation of a total of 12 tactical teams and over 200 law enforcement officers from HSI San Juan and the U.S. mainland along with federal, state and local partners.
"This is a clear example of a multiagency collaboration; we were able to dismantle the new generation of a very violent drug trafficking organization that has been stealing the peace of these communities. Not anymore. HSI remains focused, determined and steadfast to assure Puerto Rico’s public safety.”
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