Agents Bust Suspected Northern Calif. Drug Ring
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities have arrested 23 people, breaking up a gang that was led by a father and son and accused of dealing drugs and firearms in five Northern California counties, the state attorney general's office said Thursday.
The 10-month investigation was code-named "Mario Brothers," after Mario Salazar, 57, the father. The attorney general's office said the Chico man sold methamphetamine through his son's affiliation with the Norteno street gang, which has ties to the Nuestra Familia prison gang.
The son, 31-year-old Jose Salazar of Hamilton City, just west of Chico, also was arrested.
Authorities did not know whether the Salazars had lawyers. All 23 were being held without bail in Butte County jail pending initial court appearances Friday.
Maria Amaya, a Chico attorney who authorities said is representing one of the defendants, did not immediately return telephone and emails.
More than 200 state, local and federal agents confiscated methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and $17,000 during raids Wednesday. They seized eight guns, including two assault-style rifles during searches of 16 locations in Butte, Placer, Sacramento and Yuba counties.
The gang operated in those areas, as well as Glenn County, authorities said.
"As long as violent gangs continue to wreak havoc up and down California, my office will continue to partner with local law enforcement to shut them down and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law," Attorney General Kamala Harris said.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
