Targeted Falls-based members of the notorious Bloods street gang. However, investigators said, over time, it “morphed” to include other small groups. Among the local gangs caught up in the sweep were Highland World, 9th & Wild and 18 Block.
“What we were seeing was the same individuals involved in drug dealing, home invasions, every ‘shots fired’ call, it was the same people,” Falls Police Narcotics Captain Morris Shamrock said. “Our initial target was the Bloods because they appeared to be the most organized. Then we discovered that there were some secondary groups, as well. Some of these groups are affiliated with the Bloods.”Shamrock said because the Bloods are a national gang, Falls Police sought the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.“We didn’t know where the investigation would take us, so it made sense to have agencies with a national reach involved,” Shamrock said.The roundup targeted 26 people, seven on state-related drug and weapons charges. The other 19 defendants face federal drug and weapons charges contained in a series of complaints and indictments.“We think of this as very significant,” BATFE Buffalo Agent-in-Charge David DeJoe said. “Even though (the Falls) is a small city, they have some pretty big criminals.”In addition to the arrests Thursday, five other suspects were previously picked up and charged as part of the investigation.Investigators said they seized 10 guns, mostly shotguns and rifles, more than a pound of crack and powdered cocaine, some cash and a money-counting machine. A large collection of Bloods-related photos and clothing was also reportedly discovered at the Ashland Avenue home of Sean “Raw” McGiver, described as a local Blood “clubhouse.”
“You could not buy drugs in the North End without knowing these (gang members),” Shamrock said.