Pubdate: Fri, 17 Dec 2004
Source: Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)
Copyright: 2004, Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Author: Brian D. Crecente, Rocky Mountain News

CRIPS ARRESTED IN DRUG ROUNDUP

More than 300 law enforcement officers from three states converged on
the Denver area Thursday for a predawn roundup of 20 people associated
with the notorious street gang, the Rolling 60s Crips.

They are suspected of running a drug ring, officials
said.

The arrests were the result of a year-and-a-half-long investigation
involving officers from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

"Today's arrests are the culmination of a long-term investigation
focused on attacking gang activity and violent crime in the metro
Denver area," said Denver Police Chief Gerald Whitman.

"Because of the professionalism and close cooperation among task force
members, 20 alleged drug dealers were safely removed from our
streets," he said.

Officers served 54 search warrants and seized nine weapons, eight
vehicles, $35,000 in cash and more than 1,500 grams of crack cocaine.

A federal grand jury had earlier indicted 30 people from Denver,
Aurora, Northglenn and Commerce City. All but 10 of them were arrested
in Thursday's raids.

They face a variety of charges, including conspiracy to distribute,
distribution and possession of the crack cocaine.

The roundup was the first major case investigated by the federally
supported Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force's Metro Gang Unit.

"The collaborative effort between federal, state and local law
enforcement continues to benefit Colorado by addressing violent gangs
and rendering them less effective, making our streets safer," Colorado
U.S. Attorney John Suthers said.

"I would like to commend all of the task force participants for their
hard work and long hours to put this criminal case together."
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MAP posted-by: Derek