BOSTON (WHDH) - Sixty-six alleged gang members from the greater Boston area have been charged with federal and state firearm and drug charges.
It is alleged those charged were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Over 70 firearms were seized during the investigation.
Thursday morning officials arrested leaders, members and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang, and the Boylston Gang.
Members of these gangs allegedly operated primarily in East Boston, Chelsea, Brockton, Malden, Revere and Everett.
A 2014 investigation revealed a network of street gangs that had created alliances resulting in trafficking of weapons and drugs. The investigation also revealed significant cocaine, crack and heroin dealing.
According to the US Attorney, the 18th Street Gang is a multi-national gang that operates throughout the United States and Central America.
Over a one-year period, investigators seized 37 firearms from the 18th Street Gang alone.
Fifty-three defendants have been charged in federal court.
Thirteen defendants have been charged by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office in state court.
Over two dozen people have been detained for administrative deportations.
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