The Associated Press
MESA, Ariz. — Authorities swept the Phoenix metro area and arrested 31 people associated with a prison gang and distribution of methamphetamine.
Yesterday’s sweep brought to an end a 3-year investigation by federal, state and local authorities that, in part, identified how convicted felons in Arizona’s prison system ran a crime ring from behind bars.
Eleven suspects in the suspected gang remained at large Monday evening.
The sweep began at about 5:30 in the morning and included arrests at more than 40 locations from Tolleson to Mesa.
Authorities declined to identify the gang, saying that doing so would add to its notoriety and street credibility.