VICTOR VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) A 10-month long investigation conducted by several special enforcement agencies, including the FBI, targeted a criminal street gang operating in the Victor Valley.
“Investigators have determined the Below Underground criminal street gang is responsible for the distribution of illegal narcotics and violent crimes throughout Victorville City and the surrounding High Desert communities,” stated Sheriff’s officials.
Children from local schools and neighborhoods were the primary target for recruitment by the gang.
It was also determined that members and associates of the gang actively sell narcotics and weapons to further their criminal organization and to instill fear in the High Desert community.
10 search warrants issued helped the agencies seize approximately 5lbs. of Heroin, 1/4lb of Cocaine, 18lbs. of processed Marijuana, over 200 unprocessed Marijuana plants, 200 Prescription pills and 24 firearms, officials said.
“On April 25, 2017, the DA’s Office issued arrest warrants for 21 documented gang members and associates of the Below Underground Criminal Street Gang including members of the Compton Varrio 117th Criminal Street gang, Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and High Desert Deuces Motorcycle Club, with criminal charges related to conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription drugs and various weapon violations,” authorities stated in a press release.
On May 10, 2017, the joint task force served arrest warrants for the remaining outstanding suspects in Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia.
The investigation was conducted by members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Victorville City Gang Enforcement Team, the FBI with assistance from the Apple Valley and Hesperia City Gang Enforcement Teams, High Desert Regional Gang Enforcement Team and San Bernardino County Probation.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is committed to aggressively pursuing gang members and narcotic traffickers that threaten the safety of our local communities.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
