Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jul 2007 Source: Morning Call (Allentown, PA) Copyright: 2007 The Morning Call Inc. Contact: http://www.mcall.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/275 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL TEAM IS WAY TO HALT CRIMINAL GANGS Ironically, it's teamwork that helps gangs to deliver drugs and commit other, more heinous crimes. The challenge then before law enforcement is to outmaneuver gangs with more sophisticated networks and highly effective teamwork. The Lehigh Valley was fortunate last year to receive a $2.5 million federal grant for a regional approach to fighting gangs whose proximity to Routes 222 and 22 made cocaine and heroine distribution easier. Law enforcement officials in the U.S. Attorney's Office, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Reading, Lancaster, Harrisburg and York - -- the Route 222 Corridor Anti-Gang Initiative -- dismantled the area's largest cocaine-trafficking ring. In December, "Operation White Market" took down a drug gang called Mafia-El Don, which allegedly distributed more than $4 million of cocaine since last summer. Investigators also found $1 million in six bags in a Whitehall Township home -- proving gangs don't limit their activity to the cities. Just as troubling, gangs will never have trouble finding new recruits. So last week, Allentown took the next logical step and formed a new task force to target gangs -- "the new organized crime," according to Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Some significant, out-of-town gangs are of particular concern, including the Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings and Netas. Consequently, prosecutions will be more vigorous. A recommendation of placement in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for a first offense would be highly unlikely for any member of a gang. Though the effort this time will be more focused on gang activity in Allentown, law enforcement is just as committed to forging a network. District Attorney Jim Martin will contribute a county detective and the Lehigh County Drug Task Force, with its suburban police officers, also will be involved. Gang members, in their own, distorted way, seek mutual protection and profit -- but not in the Lehigh Valley, if law enforcement has its way. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman