Santa Cruz police announce fruits of federal partnership targeting gang members By Cathy Kelly - Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 10/06/2010 04:32:05 PM PDT
Updated: 10/06/2010 07:28:43 PM PDT


SANTA CRUZ — Police have nabbed 42 people for narcotic, gang and other offenses and seized guns, drugs and cash during a five-month-old partnership with federal drug and immigration officials, officers announced Wednesday.

In a packed roll call room at the Santa Cruz Police Department, investigators displayed 10 guns and numerous plastic bags filled with about $25,000 cash plus chunks of cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana gained in an effort dubbed Operation Southern Exposure. The name reflects the gangs the operation targets.

Santa Cruz police entered a partnership with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Agency in May, after a spike in violence that included murders of two Santa Cruz teens who crossed the path of alleged gang members.

“We are completely thrilled with the results to date,â€