Local, federal agencies announce drug bust operation in Dallas
DALLAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) - The FBI announced details Friday of a violent crime crackdown in Dallas.
Yesterday, 15 people were arrested in the operation—which involved more than 200 officers and agents—between the FBI, Dallas Police and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. That's in addition to 19 other arrests before the crackdown.
"Prosecuting these worst-of-the-worst offenders not only holds them accountable for past wrongs, but it also prevents them from committing future crimes. It makes our streets safer, and our communities sleep more soundly at night," said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton, who made the announcement.
Those arrested are facing drug and firearms charges. If convicted, some face as many as 40 years in federal prison. The FBI says gangs and gang leaders were targeted as part of a two-year investigation. The suspects made their initial appearances in federal court Friday morning.
"It's not our goal to just put individuals in jail for a few days, but to build cases that cut into the capabilities of these gangs and criminal enterprises, putting the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can," said Chad Yarbrough, who is the Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office.
Agents say they have confiscated over 25 firearms over the course of the investigation, along with more than 540 grams of cocaine, more than 1,100 grams of methamphetamine, more than 150 grams of alprazolam and more than 7 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement says there are other investigations happening now that they cannot talk about at this time.
