California Department of Justice (DOJ) special agents assisted the Kings County Gang Task Force in serving  16 simultaneous search warrants November 20.  The operation took aim at the Norteno criminal street gang.  As a result of today's warrants, agents and officers arrested nearly 20 people.  The arrests follow another 20 arrested in the past 30 days. 

For the past month, agents and investigators identified key gang leaders and developed a plan to stop them in their tracks.   During the raid, agents and officers seized more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin and several illegal weapons.  The goal is to decrease violent crimes in and around Kings County.

The DOJ Bureau of Investigations, Special Operations Unit lent their unique expertise and experience at the request of the Kings County Sheriff's Department.

"Today's takedown is an extraordinary example of the kind of multi-agency collaboration that is essential to combat drug trafficking organizations and gangs in our state," said Attorney General Kamala Harris.  "I applaud the brave work of these law enforcement officers."