Federal Indictment Charges Members of San Bernardino Gang with Drug Trafficking

Over 250 law enforcement personnel conducted a 24 person arrest yesterday after a federal indictment charges 25 members of the Westside Verdugo gang with drug trafficking and smuggling. Agents stated that Westside Verdugo has a connection with the notorious Mexican Mafia. 10 out of the members of the sweep were already serving a sentence in state custody where the remaining arrestees were arrested at their homes in San Bernardino.

“This gang is and has been responsible for many crimes on our streets,” said San Bernardino Acting Police Chief Eric McBride. “We appreciate the work and collaborative effort done by our partnering agencies.”

The defendants are among 35 charged in the indictment unsealed yesterday. The grand jury indictment alleges narcotics-trafficking conspiracy for marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine. It also includes possessing firearms and ammunition in furtherance of the drug crimes. Accordingly, each defendant can face a possible mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.

This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol Tobacco and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Agency, and San Bernardino Police Department.

If you have been charged with a federal crimes, then contact an experienced Newport Beach Federal Crimes Attorney at the Law Offices of John D. Rogers for a free confidential consultation.