FBI, LAPD Crack Down On Pacoima-Based Gang

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal prosecutors have arrested 10 gang members and associates for allegedly selling methamphetamine and firearms.

FBI officials said Thursday that a total of 18 people have been charged in federal and state courts as part of Operation Double Header. Four are still at large and four are in custody.

The crackdown was aimed at two Pacoima-based gangs, the Project Boys and the Pacoima Flats, which recently merged.

Prosecutors say some of the defendants relayed communications between Mexican Mafia members in prison and street dealers.

FBI agents and Los Angeles police officers seized more than $10,000 cash, three bags of meth, handguns, shotguns, semi-automatic rifles and guns that were modified to be used as fully-automatic weapons.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)