Authorities in Calif. crackdown on drug cartel

The Associated Press
Posted: 12/13/2011 10:34:53 AM PST
Updated: 12/13/2011 10:34:54 AM PST

MERCED, Calif.—Authorities in the San Joaquin Valley have arrested 24 people and seized guns and methamphetamine as part of a crackdown against the Mexican drug cartel, La Familia Michoacana.

At a news conference announcing the arrests and seizures on Monday, Merced County District Attorney Larry Morse said the goal was to keep the cartel—one of Mexico's most violent—from getting a foothold in the Central Valley.

The 24 suspects are from Madera, Merced and Stanislaus counties. They were taken into custody as part of an investigation of the cartel by state and local authorities.

That investigation concluded last month with a series of raids.

In addition to the arrests, authorities seized more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 17 firearms, including assault weapons and about $111,000.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19537966