21 people arrested in Little Rock gangs dragnet

Officials say 21 people were arrested on federal charges Thursday morning in a wide-ranging takedown operation, part of a larger effort to target gangs and violent criminals in Arkansas' capital city.

At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Cody Hiland, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, reported that authorities that morning arrested 21 of the 49 defendants listed in two complaints and 13 federal indictments.

"Today's operation is a victory over gun, gang and drug violence," Hiland said. "But I want to make it clear, this is just a start of what the combined resources of these law enforcement agencies can do."

The federal office in Little Rock also reported seizing drugs, firearms and vehicles in the Thursday operation, which Hiland said involved more than 250 agents and officers from agencies across the state. According to the release, authorities seized 21 illegally possessed guns, 9.6 pounds of cocaine, 293 Ecstasy pills and 7.2 ounces of crack cocaine, among other drugs. The office also said agents seized four cars, one motorcycle and about $50,000 "in drug proceeds."

Read more: http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/feb/23/21-people-arrested-in-lr-gangs-dragnet-/