CENTRAL FLORIDA,None — About 200 federal, state and local officers swarmed the streets in a massive gang crackdown in Central Florida. Federal and state agents, along with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, made several arrests at several different homes during a raid in a few counties in Central Florida on Tuesday.
Homes in the Zellwood area were targeted, as well as others in Tangerine, Mount Dora and all over Orange and Lake counties.
"Gangs operated a few miles apart in Orange and Lake counties," said Robert O'Neill, U.S. Attorney, Florida Middle District.
Agents from the FBI, DEA, and FDLE, Sheriff's Office and even a Daytona Beach officer were involved in the takedowns. In some cases, agents who forced their way into homes drew complaints from the occupants, particularly if the targeted suspect was not there.
The operation headed by the DEA targeted two gangs: the Zellwood Boyz and the Tangerine/Terrell Boys. Both are gangs known for rampant drug peddling and the propensity for violence.
The suspects were picked up for crimes ranging from drugs to robberies and murder.
"Criminals don't pay attention to jurisdictional boundaries. They move throughout Central Florida wreaking havoc," said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.
Some people in the community such as Sylvester Smith, who have been dealing with the problem for years, cheered the effort.
"I was ecstatic when I heard about it," said Smith. The agencies involved tout the safe, responsible operation that netted 44 arrests, 34 guns off the streets, along with large quantities of cocaine and prescription pills.
With the two gangs dismantled, they said people will live in a safer community without the constant threat of violence that comes with gang activity.
"I want you to keep coming. Keep right on cleaning this area up," said Smith.
Even though investigators didn't take down any one person who they would consider a drug kingpin, they said collectively they took down a major operation.