Police nab 44 in CC as part of statewide roundup

Police nab 44 in CC as part of statewide roundup
By David Kassabian (Contact)
Originally published 03:13 p.m., June 10, 2008
Updated 03:13 p.m., June 10, 2008

Federal agents working with state and local officers arrested 44 people in Corpus Christi during a six-day sting that ended this weekend targeting gang members.

The sting, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and centering on eight Houston area cities, netted 149 statewide including 67 gang members and people known to associate with gang members, according to a customs enforcement news release. Officers and agents began the sting June 2 and ended Saturday.

Of the 44 people arrested in Corpus Christi, 30 were gang members or associates, the release said. The action was part of a larger, nation-wide effort dubbed “Operation Community Shield,” which targets gangs by deterring, disrupting and dismantling how gangs operate. Officers trace and seize the groups’ cash, weapons and other assets, prosecuting as many members as possible, the release said.

“We continue to look for ways to work with our federal counterparts to reduce crime and remove criminals from the streets,” Corpus Christi police Chief Bryan Smith said in the release. “This operation was a huge success.”

http://www.caller.com/news/2008/jun/10/police-nab-44-cc-part-statewide-roundup/