SEATTLE — The U.S. attorney in Seattle says a three-month, multiagency investigation that targeted upper-level gang members in south Seattle and nearby communities has resulted in 33 arrests.
Jenny Durkan said Tuesday the “Hot Spot” initiative also seized nearly 14 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 28 firearms.
The probe was led by federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms &Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation and included local law enforcement agencies. It focused on Kent, Renton and Tukwila in addition to south Seattle.
Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas said such an operation is necessary “to deal with the worst of the worst gang members so our programs of prevention and intervention will have a real opportunity to be successful.”
A similar initiative directed at the White Center area resulted in more than 50 arrests last year, as well as drug and gun seizures.
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