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Mafia Arrest
FBI Nets Mexican Mafia Members
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Dozens of rifles and handguns were confiscated, as well as methamphetamine, ammunition, bullet-proof vests and thousands of dollars in cash. The operation involved 200 law enforcement agents and officers from various agencies.
The sting netted a former prison guard at Donovan state prison who was allegedly involved in a kidnapping attempt.
"The work of law enforcement in this county sent a message to the prison system that the activity of guards being connected to the Mexican mafia will not be tolerated," said Max Regula, a FBI representative.
The U.S. State Department issued a warning Wednesday to Americans traveling to Mexico. While officials said the warning was not directly related to the arrests, it does underscore the growing amount of drug-related violence on and near the border, NBC 7/39 reported. There have been 39 homicides in Tijuana this year, including the murder of a police commander two weeks ago.
Many tourists interviewed by NBC 7/39 Thursday either did not know about the warning or were unconcerned.
"I think if you stay on the main drag and off the main streets at night, you're probably OK," said Tijuana visitor Jack Swann.
The Mexican mafia is known as the largest and most established prison gang in the United States and considered extremely dangerous.