DALLAS – Federal agents arrested eight members of a South Dallas street gang last week as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation targeting violent crime and drug trafficking, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Texas.
Dubbed “Operation Blue Laces,” the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-led effort resulted in the apprehension of suspected members of the 42 Oakland Crips, a gang operating in the Wheatley Place neighborhood.
The defendants made their initial court appearances Wednesday, February 26, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee H. Toliver.
The suspects face a range of federal charges, including drug trafficking, firearms violations, and carjacking.
Prosecutors allege the gang engaged in daily drug sales along Casey Street, a known crime hotspot referred to as the “Dead End.”
According to court documents, gang members used cell phones to coordinate illegal activity, warn each other about law enforcement operations, and resume drug sales after police raids.
Authorities also noted that many of the individuals arrested had extensive criminal histories involving gun and drug offenses.
During the operation, agents seized 14 firearms, more than a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, and a variety of other narcotics, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, alprazolam, and THC products.
Law enforcement also confiscated over $47,000 in cash, six vehicles, Crips-themed jewelry, and a caiman alligator, which was transferred to the Dallas Zoo with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Some defendants face up to life in federal prison if convicted.
The charges were brought as part of a multi-agency investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and several state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert is prosecuting the case.
Federal indictments are allegations and not evidence; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.