Drugs

66 face drug, weapons, racketeering charges in gang sweep

Associated Press
Published | Updated

U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz responds to questions from reporters during a news conference at the federal courthouse, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Boston. Law enforcement officials say more than 60 alleged gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, top center, responds to questions from reporters while standing behind a table covered with guns during a news conference at the federal courthouse, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Boston. Law enforcement officials say more than 60 alleged gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges. Officials said the firearms displayed at the news conference were seized during the investigation. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

ATF Special Agent in Charge, Boston Field Division, Daniel Kumor, talks to reporters during a news conference at the federal courthouse, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Boston. Law enforcement officials say more than 60 alleged gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

Authorities say more than 60 gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges.

Prosecutors allege that the 66 people charged Thursday were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline in East Boston, Chelsea, Brockton, Malden, Revere and Everett. They were identified as leaders, members and associates of the 18th Street Gang, the East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Gang.

More than 70 guns were seized during the investigation.

In total, 53 people have been charged in federal court. Thirteen others have been charged in state court.

Prosecutors say the investigation revealed significant cocaine, crack and heroin dealing committed by gang members.