Large-scale sting nets hundreds of arrests, drugs and guns

SEATTLE — Law enforcement says hundreds of violent criminals and gang members are off the streets of Western Washington, as well as dozens of guns, in a sting involving King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

The large-scale law enforcement operation dubbed Operation Triple Beam - Jet City spanned three months.

Federal, state and local law agencies concentrated their efforts and focus on known street gangs and said their work should send a strong message to those intent on doing harm to local communities and the people who live there.

“Keeping Western Washington safe is essential to continuing that growing economic growth pie that we have, to our kids being able to safely go to school and that our citizens can enjoy what Western Washington has to offer,” said US Attorney Annette Hayes.

Hayes said 263 fugitives were arrested, including 149 gang members. Thirty firearms were seized, as well as a total of 10 pounds of heroin, cocaine, and meth with a street value of $77,000.

In all, 22 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies took part in the operation.

Cox Media Group