18 arrested in SoCal gang, drug crackdown
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 03/14/2008 12:49:21 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES—The reputed overseer of drug dealing for a suburban gang was among 18 people arrested in a crackdown aimed at disrupting methamphetamine sales, authorities said.
The gang is suspected of selling methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and the painkiller oxycodone in Los Angeles, Seattle and the states of Alaska, Arizona and North Carolina.

Local police and federal agents made the arrests Thursday in the San Gabriel Valley northeast of Los Angeles, said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

Eighteen people were arrested for investigation of drug and weapons crimes, two other people already were in custody, and 10 more were being sought.

Investigators seized a pound of methamphetamine, 20 pounds of marijuana and 16 firearms, authorities said.

Those arrested included Rafael Munoz Gonzalez, also known as "Cisco," a reputed member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, authorities said.

Gonzalez had not yet been arraigned and it could not be determined if he had obtained a lawyer.

Following his release from prison last year, Gonzalez, 38, of La Puente, took control of the Puente 13 gang's drug operations by "taxing" members who distributed methamphetamine, Mrozek said.

Gonzalez was arrested for investigation of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, importation of narcotics and other drug-related felony crimes that could carry a potential life sentence if he is convicted, Mrozek said.

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