Sat, Feb. 20, 2010


Gang member seized with weapons, drugs
By Kathleen Brady Shea



A previously deported member of a Mexican gang, about $12,000 worth of cocaine, $2,200 in cash, a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, and ammunition were seized Thursday in West Chester, authorities said yesterday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, working with three local police departments, acted on intelligence about suspected gang activity that led to a basement in the 300 block of West Washington Street, ICE said in a news release.

A 24-year-old Mexican man, identified only as an admitted member of the Ninos Locos, a Mexican street gang operating in Southeastern Pennsylvania, was taken into custody on immigration violations, authorities said.

Officials said the man also was operating a business that featured CD and clothing sales and haircutting. A search of the business turned up the handgun, cash and drugs; a 9mm handgun magazine containing bullets was found in the man's front pocket, ICE said.

The investigation was part of Operation Community Shield, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement aimed at eliminating criminal activity by transnational gangs, ICE spokesman Mark M. Medvesky said. Suspicious activity may be reported to ICE's 24-hour, toll-free hotline, 1-866-347-2423, or at www.ice.gov.


Contact staff writer Kathleen Brady Shea at kbrady@phillynews.com.


http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/84835737.html