Authorities in California raided the homes of dozens of outlaw biker gang members Thursday, as they arrested 12 and seized an extensive stash of weapons and ammunition.
Seventy special agents from the California Department of Justice -- alongside 42 from allied local and federal-level agencies -- executed 52 search warrants on the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in an operation titled “Simple Green,” a press release from the state’s attorney general reads.
Those arrested were charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, rape and narcotic-related crimes. More than 300 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition were seized in the members’ residencies, which were located in several southern California counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara, the release reads.
"This outlaw biker gang has been terrorizing our community for years and what happened today is another huge step in the war on gangs I declared in 2005," San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos said. "This task force is a clear example of how a cooperative team approach can be effective in making our citizens safe.”
Since 2010, a California task force investigation into the international gang has resulted in 25 arrests and the seizure of more than 50 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamines, three stolen vehicles and high-powered weapons, including a rocket launcher and a grenade launcher, according to the release.
A member of the Vagos gang was arrested on Sept. 30 for allegedly shooting and killing a Hells Angels leader outside a Nevada casino.
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