Gang sweep nets 24 in Desert town

The Associated Press
Sunday, Sep. 27, 2009

BARSTOW, Calif. -- Two dozen suspected gang members are under arrest after a San Bernardino County gang task force sweep, police said.

The San Bernardino County Movement Against Street Hoodlums, or SMASH, operation on Friday included 80 police officers from several agencies, said Lieut. Albert Ramirez of the Barstow Police Department.

The operation's target included suspected gang members and other high-risk criminals, Ramirez said.

Officers discovered a 41-plant marijuana grow when they went to one house to serve a warrant, Ramirez said.

The 24 arrested were sent to West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/2213572.html